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Calf muscle involvement in Becker muscular dystrophy: When size does not matter

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Giorgio TascaORCiD

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Abstract

© 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Introduction Calf hypertrophy is a common feature in Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), and it is still debated to which extent fatty degeneration or true muscle hypertrophy account for it. We wanted to investigate the relative contribution of these two components using a simple image analysis approach and their possible correlation with disease severity.Methods Twenty-nine BMD patients' MRI scans were analyzed. A semiquantitative visual score assessing fatty replacement of calf muscles (calf MRI score, CMS) was calculated and correlated with the cross sectional area (CSA) of lower leg posterior compartment muscles, digitally measured on acquired images.Results The correlation between CSA and CMS was not significant. CMS in contrast correlated with disease severity (p < 0.001) while CSA did not (p = 0.969).Conclusions In BMD, a major contribution to calf hypertrophy is provided by real muscle hypertrophy rather than by fatty degeneration. CMS appears to be a potential surrogate marker of disease severity.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Monforte M, Mercuri E, Laschena F, Ricci E, Tasca G

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of the Neurological Sciences

Year: 2014

Volume: 347

Issue: 1-2

Pages: 301-304

Online publication date: 22/10/2014

Acceptance date: 16/10/2014

ISSN (print): 0022-510X

ISSN (electronic): 1878-5883

Publisher: Elsevier B.V.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2014.10.030

DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.10.030

PubMed id: 25455304

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