Double trouble in a patient with myotonia

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Feb 14:2013:bcr2012008167. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-008167.

Abstract

Non-dystrophic myotonias (NDM) are characterised by muscle stiffness during voluntary movement owing to delayed skeletal muscle relaxation caused by mutations in the chloride (CLCN1) and sodium (SCN4A) skeletal muscle channel genes. Late onset acid maltase deficiency (AMD) is characterised by progressive respiratory and proximal muscle weakness; electrical but not clinical myotonia can be observed. Case report of a unique patient with concurrent NDM and AMD. We describe the clinical presentation and management of a patient with two rare neuromuscular disorders. This case illustrates the importance of reopening the differential diagnosis in patients who do not conform to the typical natural history of a specific disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Chloride Channels / genetics*
  • Chloride Channels / metabolism
  • DNA / genetics*
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Mutation*
  • Myotonia Congenita / genetics*
  • Myotonia Congenita / pathology
  • Myotonia Congenita / physiopathology
  • NAV1.4 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel / genetics*
  • NAV1.4 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel / metabolism

Substances

  • CLC-1 channel
  • Chloride Channels
  • NAV1.4 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel
  • SCN4A protein, human
  • DNA