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Distal Myopathies

  • Nerve and Muscle (L Weimer, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Advanced molecular genetic possibilities have made it possible to clarify and delineate an ever growing number of distinct new disease entities in the group of distal myopathies. These diseases share the clinical features of preferential muscle weakness in the feet and/or hands, and as they are genetic disorders that lead to progressive loss of muscle tissue they can also be called distal muscular dystrophies. More than 20 entities are currently identified and many are still waiting for genetic characterisation. No final diagnosis can be made on other grounds than by the molecular genetic defect. Besides the usual investigations, including electromyography and muscle biopsy, muscle imaging is very important in defining the precise pattern of muscle involvement. Based on the combination of age at onset, mode of inheritance, pathology and muscle imaging, the list of possible underlying genes can be tracked down to minimal number allowing for specific genetic testing.

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Bjarne Udd declares that he has no conflict of interest.

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  1. Neuromuscular Research Center, Tampere University and University Hospital, Tampere, Finland

    Bjarne Udd

  2. Folkhalsan Institute of Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics and Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

    Bjarne Udd

  3. Department of Neurology, Vasa Central Hospital, Vasa, Finland

    Bjarne Udd

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Correspondence to Bjarne Udd.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Nerve and Muscle

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Udd, B. Distal Myopathies. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 14, 434 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-013-0434-4

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