Heart Failure as the Initial Clinical Manifestation of Becker Muscular Dystrophy in an Adult

Abstract

Congestive heart failure is an uncommon initial presentation for dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophies. Cardiac manifestations may appear in late disease stages, although they classically present after musculoskeletal symptoms develop. This case report describes a patient who presented with heart failure and was newly diagnosed with Becker muscular dystrophy. The objective is to recognize Becker muscular dystrophy as a potential cause of dilated cardiomyopathy in young patients, even in the absence of clinically overt musculoskeletal symptoms. (Tex Heart Inst J. 2022;49(6):e217634).