Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Becker Muscular Dystrophy: A Case Report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) is a rare X-linked muscular dystrophy, with an incidence of 3 in 100,000 live male births. The most common cardiac presentation is cardiomyopathy (occurs in 50% of cases) and conduction disorders. CASE: This is a case of a 27 year-old male who was diagnosed with BMD during his childhood. He developed gradual progressive muscle weakness with decrease in basal functional capacity. Dilated cardiomyopathy was observed based on clinical and echocardiographic findings. He was later admitted due to ventricular tachycardia. Upon admission, the chest x-ray showed cardiomegaly. Laboratory examination showed markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) isoenzymes. Two- dimensional echocardiography showed generalized hypokinesia with severely depressed systolic function; and dilated left ventricular cavity and left atrium. The hospital course of the patient is herein described.