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Progressive cardiac dysfunction in Bethlem myopathy during pregnancy
Anne Flöck1, Cornelia Kornblum, Christoph Hammerstingl
1Departments of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Neurology, and Cardiology, University Medical School, Bonn, and the Department of Neurology and the Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
Insights
Bethlem myopathy, a congenital muscle disorder, can cause progressive heart dysfunction during pregnancy. This case highlights the need for close cardiac monitoring and potential early delivery in affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Genetics
Background:
- Bethlem myopathy is a congenital myopathy characterized by muscle weakness and joint abnormalities.
- Cardiac involvement is common in inherited myopathies but has not been previously documented in Bethlem myopathy.
Observation:
- A pregnant patient with Bethlem myopathy experienced progressive left ventricular dysfunction.
- Worsening dyspnea necessitated delivery at 36 2/7 weeks of gestation.
Findings:
- Myocardial function improved postpartum, coinciding with clinical symptom resolution.
- This case suggests a potential association between Bethlem myopathy and pregnancy-related cardiac complications.
Implications:
- Bethlem myopathy may be linked to progressive left ventricular dysfunction during pregnancy.
- Early delivery may be required in pregnant patients with Bethlem myopathy experiencing cardiac decline.
- Further research is warranted to understand the cardiac manifestations of Bethlem myopathy.
Background:
Bethlem myopathy is a congenital myopathy presenting with muscle weakness and joint abnormalities. Although cardiac involvement is frequent in other inherited myopathies, it has not yet been described in Bethlem myopathy.
Case:
We report a case of progressive deterioration of left ventricular function during pregnancy in a patient with Bethlem myopathy. Worsening of clinical symptoms, particularly dyspnea, necessitated delivery at 36 2/7 weeks of gestation. Myocardial function recovered postpartum with improvement of clinical symptoms.
Conclusion:
Bethlem myopathy may be associated with progressive left ventricular dysfunction during pregnancy and may require early delivery.
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