ST-segment displacement in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: myocardial necrosis or apoptosis?

Acta Myol. 2003 May;22(1):5-10.

Abstract

An electrocardiographic pattern resembling myocardial infarction is a rare condition in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We report the case of a Duchenne boy, aged 12 years and 7 month, who, during a programmed examination, showed electrocardiographic signs of ST segment elevation, without symptoms usually accompanying myocardial infarction (chest pain, dyspnoea, sweating). The biological markers of myocardial damage became positive on the 2nd day and recovered on the 5th day. Clinical features of this uncommon pattern are described, with the retrospective evaluation of similar cases from personal records. The differential diagnosis between myocardial necrosis and apoptosis is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / physiology*
  • Cardiomyopathies / etiology
  • Cardiomyopathies / pathology*
  • Cardiomyopathies / physiopathology*
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / complications
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / pathology*
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / physiopathology*
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology
  • Myocardial Infarction / pathology*
  • Myocardial Infarction / physiopathology*
  • Necrosis*