Muscular Dystrophy
Alternate Names : Inherited Myopathy, MD
 See all Pictures & Images
Muscular Dystrophy Diagnosis & Tests
Examination and history help to distinguish the type of MD. Specific muscle groups are affected by different types of MD. Often, there is a loss of muscle mass (wasting), which may be disguised in some types of muscular dystrophy by an accumulation of fat and connective tissuethat makes the muscle appear larger (pseudohypertrophy).
Joint contractures are common. Shortening of the muscle fibers, fibrosis of the connective tissue and scarring slowly destroy muscle function. Some types of MD involve the heart muscle, causing cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias.
A muscle biopsy may be the primary test used to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases a DNA test from the blood may be sufficient.
- A serum CPK (an enzyme found in muscle) may be elevated.
- An EMG (electromyography) may confirm that weakness is caused by destruction of muscle tissue rather than damage to nerves.
- An ECG (electrocardiography) to monitor changes in cardiac status.
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
|
