Beyond Ejection Fraction: Analysis of Cardiac Strain for Early Detection of Myocardial Dysfunction in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive, degenerative, X-linked genetic neuromuscular disorder that affects motor, respiratory, and cardiac function.^, DMD is the most severe presentation of neuromuscular diseases related to dystrophin mutations.^, Clinically, it manifests as progressive impairment of motor function in boys, with wheelchair dependence before the age of 12.

Advances in multidisciplinary care and ventilatory management have improved survival, making cardiac complications a leading cause of mortality in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).^– However, to date, no temporal correlation has been established between cardiac and skeletal muscle impairment, making the screening for cardiac dysfunction challenging, since the classic symptoms of heart failure are masked by progressive motor limitation.

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