Dictionary

myocarditis Inflammation of the heart muscle. Inflammation of heart muscle can be caused by viruses, medications, parasites, or underlying diseases. Treatment depends on the cause.

muscular Having to do with muscles or endowed with above-average muscle development. For example, the muscular system is all the muscles of the body, collectively.

muscular atrophy, post-polio Muscle wasting that occurs after the initial acute polio illness.

muscular dystrophy One of a group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal or voluntary muscles that control movement. Abbreviated MD. The muscles of the heart and some other involuntary muscles are also affected in some forms of MD, and a few forms involve other organs as well. The major…

muscular dystrophy, Becker A form of muscular dystrophy (MD) that is similar to Duchenne MD but milder. Patients with Becker MD produce a little of the key protein, dystrophin, whereas those with Duchenne make none. Progression of Becker MD is slower and symptoms tend to appear later than progression of Duchenne MD. Both Becker and…

muscular dystrophy, congenital A form of muscular dystrophy (MD) that is present at birth. Various types of congenital MD have been identified, each caused by a different genetic error. Congenital MD can affect males or females. Diagnosis is initially made via observation of general muscle weakness (hypotonia). See also dystrophy, myotonic.

muscular dystrophy, distal A rare type of muscular dystrophy (MD) that typically begins in adulthood and involves the muscles that are most distant from the midline, such as those of the hands and feet. Distal MD is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and affects males and females. Also known as distal myopathy and distal…

muscular dystrophy, Duchenne The bestknown form of muscular dystrophy, which is due to mutation in a gene on the X chromosome that prevents the production of dystrophin, a normal protein in muscle. Abbreviated DMD. DMD affects boys and, very rarely, girls. DMD typically appears after two years of age with weakness in the pelvis and…

muscular dystrophy, Emery-Dreifuss A form of muscular dystrophy (MD) that begins in childhood or the teen years. It is a slowly progressing disorder that begins in the upper arms or upper legs. Contractures of the limbs are common, as are serious heart problems. Emery-Dreifuss MD is caused by mutation in the gene that encodes emerin…

muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral A form of muscular dystrophy that begins before age 20, with slowly progressive weakness of the muscles of the face, shoulders, and feet. The severity of the disease is variable. Abbreviated FSMD. Although most people with FSMD retain the ability to walk, about 20 percent of affected individuals require wheelchairs. Life expectancy…

muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle A form of muscular dystrophy (MD) that may begin in childhood or any time later, with slowly progressive weakness and wasting of the muscles in the hips or shoulders. Limb-girdle MD is caused by a number of genetic defects and can affect both males and females.

muscular dystrophy, myotonic See dystrophy, myotonic.