Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Tissue Triage and Freezing for Models of Skeletal Muscle Disease
Published on: July 15, 2014
Sequential muscle biopsy changes in a case of congenital myopathy
M J Danon1, C S Giometti, J R Manaligod
1Department of Neurology, New York Medical College, Valhalla 10595, USA.
Insights
Congenital fiber-type disproportion (CFTD) can progress to centronuclear myopathy (CNM) in infants. Muscle biopsies revealed this progression, highlighting the need for repeat biopsies in deteriorating cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Muscle Diseases
Background:
- Congenital fiber-type disproportion (CFTD) is a rare neuromuscular disorder presenting in infancy.
- Clinical presentation and progression of CFTD can vary significantly.
- Centronuclear myopathy (CNM) is characterized by specific histopathological features, including central nuclei in muscle fibers.
Abstract:
Muscle biopsies at age 7 months in a set of dizygotic male twins born floppy showed typical features of congenital fiber-type disproportion (CFTD). One of the twins died at age 1 year due to respiratory complications. The second one subsequently developed facial diplegia and external ophthalmoplegia. He never walked, remained wheelchair bound, and required continuous ventilatory support. He underwent repeat biopsies at ages 2 and 4, which showed many atrophic type 1 muscle fibers containing central nuclei and severe type 2 fiber deficiency compatible with centronuclear myopathy (CNM). Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of muscle showed decreases of type II myosin light chains 2 and 3, suggestive of histochemical type I fiber deficiency. The progressive nature of morphological changes in one of our patients cannot be explained by maturational arrest. Repeat biopsies in cases of CFTD with rapid clinical deterioration may very well show CNM.
Related Concept Videos
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
Satellite Stem Cells and Muscular Dystrophy
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Alterations in Muscle Tone ll
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll

