MD Definition A group of disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue. Because these are inherited disorders, risks include a family history of muscular dystrophy. Lambert-Eaton syndrome and myasthenia gravis have symptoms that may be similar to early stages of some types of muscular dystrophies. Symptoms Symptoms vary with the different types of muscular dystrophy. Certain types, such as Duchenne dystrophy, are ultimately fatal while other types have associated muscle weakness but cause little disability.
Muscle contractures are common.
Shortening of the muscle fibers, fibrosis of the connective tissue and scarring slowly destroy muscle function. Some types of MD involve the heart muscle, causing cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias . A muscle biopsy is the primary test used to confirm the diagnosis. A serum CPK may be elevated. There is no known cures for the various muscular dystrophies.