MANY observers have reported pathologic changes in the myoeardium of patients with muscular dystrophy similar to those in the skeletal muscles.'-8 Clinical evidence of involvement of the heart has also been noted, consisting of persistent tachycardia,9 10 arrhythmias,10 congestive heart failure, chest pain, cardiac enlargement, changes in heart sounds, murmurs, electrocardiographic alterations ...

Introduction. First, we will give a general overview of the generation of muscle contraction in a normal cell. Skeletal muscle contraction is accomplished by the generation of a neuronal action potential that terminates at the neuromuscular synapse. The neuronal action potential (AP) stimulates sodium channels in the neuronal axon that propagates the signal along the axon. As the AP reaches the...

Are things clearer now? Yes. A breakthrough came in 1987 when the causative gene for the most common severe form of MD, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD — the field is rich in eponyms, too) was found. Since then, the genes affected in many MDs have been discovered, enabling classification and diagnosis to be put on a much more secure footing. Some traditional disease categories have split as a ...

We evaluated the frequency of cerebral infarction in 131 patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, Becker's muscular dystrophy, or Friedreich's ataxia. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were found in 83% of patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, 56% with myotonic dystrophy, 50% with Becker's muscular dystrophy, and 25% with Friedreich's ataxia. Atrial flutter occur...

An uncommon variety of non familial, juvenile onset, spinal muscular atrophy with asymmetric distal upper extremity affection is described. One hundred and two patients with a one to 14 year follow up are analysed. Spinal muscular atrophies with a distal distribution are rare. However, in the past three decades, previously unrecognised varieties of neurogenic muscular atrophy have been describe...

Different muscular dystrophies and myopathies can be inherited in an X-linked, autosomal dominant, or autosomal recessive manner. More than 50 loci have been associated to different forms of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) alone, making accurate diagnosis and genetic counseling a real challenge. This comprehensive panel is designed to achieve the highest clinical yield and enable the diff...

Life expectancy is increasing in muscular dystrophies: as an example due to technical medical interventions like spine surgery and home ventilation, boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy become men. Increasing evidence concerning retarding drugs becomes available for muscular dystrophies. Cardiac symptoms can effectively be treated with drugs and also cardioprotective drugs are tested. New reta...

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