Myasthenia gravis from Thomas Willis to the present.

The history of the development of knowledge of myasthenia gravis is reviewed. Clinical profiles of the immune and non-immune mediated forms of myasthenia are discussed. The current theory of pathogenesis is reviewed. Tests used to diagnose myasthenia gravis, and their comparative diagnostic yields are presented. Past and current modalities of treatment are reviewed. Future therapeutic strategies are introduced. The roles of the thymus and thymectomy in the genesis and treatment of myasthenia gravis are discussed.