[Myocardial lesions in several forms of progressive muscular atrophy]

Using the clinical, electrocardiographic, biochemical and morphological findings, the authors assessed the cardiovascular system in 30 patients with Duchenne's myopathy and spinal amyotrophy. An analysis of the material revealed considerable metabolic-dystrophic changes in the myocardium, being more pronounced with Duchenne's myopathy. The early diagnosis of myocardial damage in the above diseases can be made on the basis of evidence from the isoenzymic spectrum of creatine kinase. Recommendations are offered on the pathogenetic therapy with due regard for myocardial involvement.