Abstract
Background Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is an X-linked
neuromuscular disease caused by
dystrophin gene mutation, disease
feature included symmetric muscle weakness and muscular atrophy. Heart
could be involved in some BMD patients.
Case Report We report a case of a BMD complicated with dilated
cardiomyopathy (DCM). A 42-year-old male, his body posture and gait
change began at the age of 23 years old, accompanied by weakness and
muscle atrophy of both lower limbs, with a progressive aggravated trend.
Fragment deletion was evidenced in exon 45-49 regions. Genetic pedigree
analysis confirmed the X-linked inherited disease feature. The patient
experienced repeated shortness of breath when he was 39 years old. Whole
heart enlargement and aggravated cardiac dysfunction were evidenced in
echocardiography examination. He was hospitalized for heart failure from
time to time since then.
Conclusion BMD complicated
with DCM is a rare scenario in our daily clinical practice. It is thus
of importance for cardiologists to pay attention to define the primary
disease course for heart failure patients with DCM. Multidisciplinary
management is required in the treatment of patients with BMD complicated
with cardiac damage.
Key words: Becker muscular dystrophy, X-linked recessive
neuromuscular disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure.