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Dilated cardiomyopathy with regional myocardial hypoperfusion in Becker's muscular dystrophy
E Lazzeroni1, L Favaro, G Botti
1Divisione di Cardiologia, Ospedale Regionale, Parma, Italy.
Insights
Becker's muscular dystrophy can cause dilated cardiomyopathy with specific heart wall abnormalities. This rare cardiac involvement highlights similarities with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Genetics
Background:
- Becker's muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder affecting muscle strength.
- Cardiac involvement is a known complication, though less common than in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Observation:
- Two cases of Becker's muscular dystrophy presented with dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Cardiac imaging revealed myocardial perfusion alterations and hypokinesia in specific ventricular walls.
Findings:
- The observed cardiac abnormalities in Becker's muscular dystrophy are similar to those seen in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
- This presentation is rare, with only one prior reported case exhibiting similar cardiologic features.
Implications:
- Understanding myocardial involvement mechanisms in Becker's muscular dystrophy is crucial for patient management.
- Further research into the cardiac pathophysiology of muscular dystrophies is warranted.
Abstract:
We describe two cases of Becker's muscular dystrophy, both of which presented with a dilated cardiomyopathy with alterations of myocardial perfusion and hypokinesia in the anteroseptal and apical ventricular walls. To the best of our knowledge, only one case with similar cardiologic characteristics has been reported previously. Myocardial involvement in this disease is comparable to that found in the Duchenne form of dystrophy. The possible mechanisms underscoring its induction are discussed.