Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
09:18

Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Published on: January 12, 2019

High incidence of electrocardiogram abnormalities in young patients with duchenne muscular dystrophy

Yuichi Takami1, Yasuhiro Takeshima, Hiroyuki Awano

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan. takami@hrc-hp.com

Pediatric Neurology
|November 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Electrocardiogram abnormalities are common in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, affecting over 90% of young patients. Deep Q-waves and low RV5 + SV1 are key age-dependent cardiac markers in this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Neuromuscular Disorders

Background:

  • Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder causing progressive muscle degeneration.
  • Cardiac involvement is a known complication of DMD, but extensive electrocardiogram (ECG) data in young patients are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate electrocardiogram abnormalities in pediatric patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
  • To identify potential age-dependent cardiac markers in DMD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted 136 ECG examinations on 69 Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients aged 18 years or younger.
  • Analyzed ECG findings in relation to patient age and dystrophin gene mutation patterns.

Main Results:

  • Over 91% of patients exhibited one or more ECG abnormalities.
  • Deep Q-waves were the most frequent abnormality, particularly in younger adolescent patients (<10 years).
  • Incidence of deep Q-waves and low RV5 + SV1 (R-wave V5 + S-wave V1) was significantly higher in adolescent patients, suggesting age-dependent changes.

Conclusions:

  • ECG abnormalities in DMD are primarily due to dystrophin deficiency, irrespective of specific gene mutation types.
  • Deep Q-waves and low RV5 + SV1 are proposed as reliable markers for age-dependent cardiac complications in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

More Related Videos

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix10:21

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

Published on: June 14, 2016

Purification and Transplantation of Myogenic Progenitor Cell Derived Exosomes to Improve Cardiac Function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophic Mice08:13

Purification and Transplantation of Myogenic Progenitor Cell Derived Exosomes to Improve Cardiac Function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophic Mice

Published on: April 10, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Satellite Stem Cells and Muscular Dystrophy01:21

Satellite Stem Cells and Muscular Dystrophy

Satellite stem cells or myosatellite cells are quiescent stem cells that Alexander Mauro first identified in 1961. These cells are located between the sarcolemma, the plasma membrane of muscle fibers, and the basal lamina, the connective tissue sheath covering it. These mononucleated cells are activated in response to muscle injury, can transform into myoblasts, and may form or repair muscle fibers. Myosatellite cells can provide additional myonuclei for muscle regeneration or return to a...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle01:28

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...