Maria Loureiro et al. Carlos Branco João Duarte Gonçalo Coutinho … Maria Manuela Martins André Novo
Abstract
Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is a rare hereditary neuromuscular disease. Its manifestations begin primarily in childhood. The most frequent manifestations are progressive muscle weakness, atrophy that usually begins in the scapula-vertebral region, extending later to the pelvic girdle, and spinal stiffness. Patients can also manifest cardiac involvement as palpitations, syncope, exercise intolerance, congestive heart failure, and variable heart rhythm disturbances. – The presence and severity of these manifestations can vary according to the individual and the disease’s subtypes. Cardiac involvement is the most worrisome feature of this disease, and there are some reports of the need for heart transplantation in this dystrophy.