cardiac abnormalities in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Last reviewed 01/2018
Cardiac abnormalities are a significant cause of death in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The clinical course may be prolonged with progressive cardiac failure or death may come suddenly.
Electrocardiographic abnormalities are often the first sign:
- prominent R waves in the right precordial leads
- deep Q waves in the left precordial and limb leads
Radiographic abnormalities may be masked by scoliosis and a high diaphragm.
There is often a sinus tachycardia or other arrhythmia.
Echocardiography may demonstrate hypokinesia of the basal left ventricle.