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.