Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to characterize a unique distribution of muscle involvement in sporadic Becker muscle dystrophy (BMD). Methods: Retrospective chart review, clinical examination, electrophysiological studies, cardiac testing, and genetic testing were performed in 5 patients. Results: Predominant weakness and atrophy of biceps brachii, hip adduction, and quadriceps muscles was noted along with calf and extensor forearm hypertrophy. Finger flexor muscles were severely weak in 3 of 5 patients, a feature that could lead to a misdiagnosis of inclusion body myositis. Creatinine kinase was only mildly elevated in most patients. Electromyography was abnormal in all patients. Muscle biopsy in 1 patient demonstrated normal immunostaining for dystrophin. Conclusions: We found a unique and uniform distribution of muscle involvement in 5 sporadic cases of BMD. Recognizing these features is important for differentiating it from other myopathies that may have similar features and avoids unnecessary invasive procedures such as muscle biopsy.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 885-887 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Muscle and Nerve |
Volume | 52 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Becker muscular dystrophy
- EMG
- Finger flexor weakness
- Muscle biopsy
- Muscle disease [185]
- Quadriceps weakness
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Clinical Neurology
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Physiology (medical)