Elective caesarean section for a woman with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is a rare form of muscular dystrophy involving both cardiac and skeletal muscles. Cardiac involvement frequently leads to dilated cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias and may precipitate sudden cardiac death. Skeletal involvement is characterised by early contractures and muscle weakness in the humeroperoneal distribution. We describe the anaesthetic management of a 29-year-old patient with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy presenting for elective caesarean section and discuss the disorder and its potential anaesthetic implications.