Question

At age 4, james underwent a biopsy of the right gastrocnemius muscle. the pathologist's report noted histopathologic changes suggestive of duchenne muscular dystrophy. describe in detail the typical microscopic changes noted in the muscle tissue of someone with duchenne's muscular dystrophy.

Answer 1

The typical microscopic noted in the muscle tissue of someone with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is abundant adipose cells with residual islets of muscle fibres. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.

It is caused by absence dystrophin which is a protein which helps to keep muscle cells intact. Symptoms are seen in early childhood between three to five years. Duchenne affects boys mostly but rarely in girls. Symptoms may include, muscle weakness which first affects pelvic area, thighs muscle of the hips and shoulders. It also affects respiratory muscles and heart.