What Is Muscular Dystrophy?
6. Emery-Dreifuss
This rare form of MD primary appears in males from childhood through early teens. Girls are only rarely affected. The muscle weakness from Emery-Dreifuss causes atrophy in the lower legs, upper arms, and shoulders. Muscles in the chest and pelvis can also be impacted. Contraction of muscles happens early in the disease, and stiffening can cause joint deformities.
Life-threatening heart problems are significant with this type of MD and may not only involve the patients. Carriers of the gene that causes Emery-Dreifuss are also at risk. The disease progresses slowly; however, some patients experience sudden death due to cardiac issues.
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