Autosomal dominant muscle cramp syndrome in a Japanese family

To identify the clinical, electrophysiological, histological, and genetic characteristics of a Japanese family with a muscle cramp syndrome.

Fourteen patients (eight men, six women) were studied in four generations of a single family. Electrophysiological examinations were performed in four cases and muscle and nerve biopsies were performed on the propositus.

The mode of inheritance seemed to be autosomal dominant. The cramps occurred during both exertion and at rest, and during sleep. Electromyographic examination indicated a neurogenic aetiology. There was a decreased number of large myelinated fibres in the sural nerve, and fibre type grouping in the quadriceps femoris muscle biopsy.

The autosomal dominant muscle cramp syndrome in this family is probably caused by a polyneuropathy.