M. Ripolone, L. Napoli, V. Mantero, M. Sciacco, S. Zanotti
{"title":"Peculiar histological and ultrastructural skeletal muscle alterations in a patient with CMV infection and autoimmune myositis: case evaluation and brief literature review.","authors":"M. Ripolone, L. Napoli, V. Mantero, M. Sciacco, S. Zanotti","doi":"10.36185/2532-1900-068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36185/2532-1900-068","url":null,"abstract":"We report the case of a young woman with CMV infection, high level of creatine kinase and myopathy. Electromyography showed a myopathic pattern. Muscle biopsy showed a marked increase of NADH enzymatic activity in the central area of almost all type I fibres, few degenerative and necrotic fibres and scattered mononuclear cell infiltrates. Ultrastructural analysis showed a marked disarrangement of sarcomeric structure and large inclusions of thin filaments in some fibres, while immunohistochemistry evidenced alteration in desmin, actin and αB-crystallin protein signals. PCR for CMV detection on muscle sections was negative. Histological, immunological and ultrastructural evaluations were compatible with a necrotic inflammatory myopathy. The correlations between CMV liver infection and the myopathic pattern are discussed. This case underscores the need to consider CMV infection in the differential diagnosis of myopathy with undetermined aetiology, quickly providing directions for a targeted muscle pharmacological intervention.","PeriodicalId":93851,"journal":{"name":"Acta myologica : myopathies and cardiomyopathies : official journal of the Mediterranean Society of Myology","volume":"10 1","pages":"41-47"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90127521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Telemedicine applied to neuromuscular disorders: focus on the COVID-19 pandemic era.","authors":"M. Giannotta, C. Petrelli, A. Pini","doi":"10.36185/2532-1900-066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36185/2532-1900-066","url":null,"abstract":"Neuromuscular diseases are rare and usually chronic progressive disorders that require a multidisciplinary clinical evaluation and functional monitoring. The patient-physician relationship and therapies are also key elements to be provided. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed the way patients' health was managed and national health care services underwent a radical reorganization. Telemedicine, with the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by health professionals, became the main strategy to ensure the continuation of care. However, the experience regarding the use of Telemedicine in neuromuscular disorders is very limited and the scientific literature is extremely scarce. From the first experiences in the '50s, the development of Telemedicine has been supplemented and supported by the implementation of ICT to guarantee the secure and effective transmission of medical data. Italian national guidelines (2010-2020) describe the technical and professional guarantees necessary to provide Telemedicine services. Nevertheless, at the time the pandemic appeared, no guidelines for clinical evaluation or for the administration of functional scales remotely were available for neuromuscular diseases. This has been a critical point when clinical evaluations were mandatory also for the renewal of drug prescriptions. However, the common opinion that telemedicine basic services were important to overcome the change in medical practice due to COVID-19 in neuromuscular diseases, even in pediatric age, emerged. Moreover, alternative digital modalities to evaluate patients at home in a kind of virtual clinic were considered as a field of future development.","PeriodicalId":93851,"journal":{"name":"Acta myologica : myopathies and cardiomyopathies : official journal of the Mediterranean Society of Myology","volume":"72 1","pages":"30-36"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85206619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Erika Iori, A. Ariatti, M. Mazzoli, Elisabetta Bastia, M. Gozzi, V. Agnoletto, A. Marchioni, G. Galassi
{"title":"Cardiac disorders worsen the final outcome in myasthenic crisis undergoing non-invasive mechanical ventilation: a retrospective 20-year study from a single center.","authors":"Erika Iori, A. Ariatti, M. Mazzoli, Elisabetta Bastia, M. Gozzi, V. Agnoletto, A. Marchioni, G. Galassi","doi":"10.36185/2532-1900-064","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36185/2532-1900-064","url":null,"abstract":"The study was performed to evaluate the impact of cardiological disorders on the outcome of myasthenic crisis (MC) requiring ventilation. The study includes 90 cases admitted to the Neurology Unit of Modena, Italy (January 2000 - September 2020). All patients were eligible for a non-invasive ventilation (NIV) trial. We analyzed the effect of cardiac comorbidities on the outcomes, which were the need of invasive ventilation, the risk tracheostomy for weaning failure and the duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay Females were 58.9% and males 41.1%. Median age at diagnosis was 59 and at MC was 65. Patients were classified as early (EOMG) or late (LOMG), 34.4 and 65.6% respectively, according to age above or below 50; 85% of patients were anti- AChR antibody positive. Hypertension and cardiac diseases occurred at the diagnosis in 61 and 44.4%, respectively. Invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) was needed in 34% of cases. Nine subjects (10%) underwent tracheostomy because of weaning failure. Independent predictors of NIV failure were atrial fibrillation (AF), either parossistic or persistent (OR 3.05, p < 0.01), hypertensive cardiopathy (HHD) (OR 2.52, p < 0.01) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) (OR 3.08, p < 0.01). Hypertension (HT) had no statistical effect on the outcomes. HHD was a predictor of weaning failure (OR 4.01, p = 0.017). Our study shows that HHD, AF and IHD increase the risk of NIV failure in MC receiving ventilation.","PeriodicalId":93851,"journal":{"name":"Acta myologica : myopathies and cardiomyopathies : official journal of the Mediterranean Society of Myology","volume":"128 1","pages":"15-23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85737185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Coppola, A. Annunziata, E. Sciarrillo, S. Musella, G. Fiorentino
{"title":"Temporary positive expiratory pressure (TPEP) as an alternative approach in the treatment of persistent atelectasis in a patient with Steinert disease: a case report.","authors":"A. Coppola, A. Annunziata, E. Sciarrillo, S. Musella, G. Fiorentino","doi":"10.36185/2532-1900-069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36185/2532-1900-069","url":null,"abstract":"We describe the clinical case of a patient affected by Steinert disease with persistent dyspnea complicated by a complete obstructive atelectasis of left lower lung lobe. The atelectasis has been successfully treated using the TPEP machine, with resolution of radiological pattern and improvement of the symptoms.","PeriodicalId":93851,"journal":{"name":"Acta myologica : myopathies and cardiomyopathies : official journal of the Mediterranean Society of Myology","volume":"33 1","pages":"48-51"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76912079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Iacono, A. Lupica, V. Di Stefano, E. Borgione, F. Brighina
{"title":"A novel compound heterozygous mutation in PYGM gene associated with McArdle's disease.","authors":"S. Iacono, A. Lupica, V. Di Stefano, E. Borgione, F. Brighina","doi":"10.36185/2532-1900-067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36185/2532-1900-067","url":null,"abstract":"McArdle's disease is an autosomal recessive glycogenosis due to mutation in the myophosphorylase gene (PYGM) resulting in a pure myopathy. The clinical onset typically occurs in childhood with cramps, myalgia, and intolerance to physical exercise, although late onset forms are also reported. We describe a case of a 17-year-old male complaining of cramps and myalgia following brief and intense exercise. The patient reported marked improvement in muscle fatigability few minutes after starting aerobic exercise. When he was a child, he had experienced few episodes of vomiting, nausea, and black colored urine following physical activity. Laboratory testings revealed high creatine kinase serum levels. Genetic testings for metabolic myopathies demonstrated a compound heterozygous for two PYGM mutations (p.R570Q and p.K754Nfs*49) allowing the diagnosis of McArdle's disease. To date, 183 mutations in the PYGM gene are listed in Human Gene Mutation Database Professional 2021.2, but this novel compound heterozygosis has never been reported before.","PeriodicalId":93851,"journal":{"name":"Acta myologica : myopathies and cardiomyopathies : official journal of the Mediterranean Society of Myology","volume":"15 1","pages":"37-40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85210345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G. Ricci, F. Torri, F. Bianchi, L. Fontanelli, E. Schirinzi, Elisa Gualdani, P. Francesconi, Delia Gagliardi, G. Serra, T. Mongini, G. Siciliano
{"title":"Frailties and critical issues in neuromuscular diseases highlighted by SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: how many patients are still \"invisible\"?","authors":"G. Ricci, F. Torri, F. Bianchi, L. Fontanelli, E. Schirinzi, Elisa Gualdani, P. Francesconi, Delia Gagliardi, G. Serra, T. Mongini, G. Siciliano","doi":"10.36185/2532-1900-065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36185/2532-1900-065","url":null,"abstract":"Almost 90% of neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) are classified as rare diseases, defined as conditions affecting less than 5 individuals in 10.000 (0.05%). Their rarity and diversity pose specific challenges for healthcare and research. Epidemiological data on NMDs are often lacking and incomplete. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the management difficulties of NMDs patients and the necessity to continue the program of implementation of standard of care. This article summarizes the Italian experience during pandemic.","PeriodicalId":93851,"journal":{"name":"Acta myologica : myopathies and cardiomyopathies : official journal of the Mediterranean Society of Myology","volume":"102 1","pages":"24-29"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75719002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. Abdulhady, H. Sakr, N. Elsayed, T. El-Sobky, Nagia Fahmy, A. Saadawy, H. Elsedfy
{"title":"Ambulatory Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Children: Cross-sectional Correlation between Function, Quantitative Muscle Ultrasound and MRI","authors":"H. Abdulhady, H. Sakr, N. Elsayed, T. El-Sobky, Nagia Fahmy, A. Saadawy, H. Elsedfy","doi":"10.1101/2021.08.17.21262119","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.08.17.21262119","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction/Aims: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive genetic muscle disease. Quantitative muscle ultrasound (MUS), muscle MRI, and functional tools are important to delineate characteristics of muscle involvement. We aimed to establish correlations between clinical/functional and above-named imaging tools respecting their diagnostic and prognostic role in DMD children. Methods: A Prognostic cross-sectional retrospective study of 27 steroid-naive, ambulant male children/adolescents with genetically-confirmed DMD (mean age, 8.8 +/- 3.3 years). Functional performance was assessed using motor function measure (MFM) which assess standing/transfer (D1), proximal (D2) and distal (D3) motor function. And six-minute-walk test (6MWT). Imaging evaluation included quantitative muscle MRI which measured muscle fat content in a specific location of right rectus femoris by mDixon sequence. Quantitative MUS measured muscle brightness in standardized US image as an indicator of muscle fat content. Results: We found a highly significant positive correlation between the mean MFM total score and 6MWT (R=0.537, P=0.007). And a highly significant negative correlation between fat content by MUS and MFM total score (R=-0.603, P=0.006) and its D1 subscore (R=-0.712, P=0.001). And a significant negative correlation between fat content by US and 6MWT (R=-0.529, P=0.02). And a significant positive correlation between muscle fat content by mDixon MRI and patient's age (R=0.617, P=0.01). Discussion: Quantitative MUS correlates significantly with clinical/functional assessment tools as MFM and 6MWT, and augments their role in disease-tracking of DMD. Quantitative MUS has the potential to act as a substitute to functional assessment tools. The role for quantitative muscle MRI in disease-tracking should be further explored after elimination of confounding factors.","PeriodicalId":93851,"journal":{"name":"Acta myologica : myopathies and cardiomyopathies : official journal of the Mediterranean Society of Myology","volume":"54 1","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76853264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paola D'Ambrosio, Roberta Petillo, Annalaura Torella, Andrea Antonio Papa, Alberto Palladino, Chiara Orsini, Manuela Ergoli, Luigia Passamano, Antonio Novelli, Vincenzo Nigro, Luisa Politano
{"title":"Cardiac diseases as a predictor warning of hereditary muscle diseases. The case of laminopathies.","authors":"Paola D'Ambrosio, Roberta Petillo, Annalaura Torella, Andrea Antonio Papa, Alberto Palladino, Chiara Orsini, Manuela Ergoli, Luigia Passamano, Antonio Novelli, Vincenzo Nigro, Luisa Politano","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mutations in the <i>LMNA</i> gene are associated with a wide spectrum of disease phenotypes, ranging from neuromuscular, cardiac and metabolic disorders to premature aging syndromes. Skeletal muscle involvement may present with different phenotypes: limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 1B or <i>LMNA</i>-related dystrophy; autosomal dominant Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy; and a congenital form of muscular dystrophy, frequently associated with early onset of arrhythmias. Heart involvement may occur as part of the muscle involvement or independently, regardless of the presence of the myopathy. Notably conduction defects and dilated cardiomyopathy may exist without a muscle disease. This paper will focus on cardiac diseases presenting as the first manifestation of skeletal muscle hereditary disorders such as laminopathies, inspired by two large families with cardiovascular problems long followed by conventional cardiologists who did not suspect a genetic muscle disorder underlying these events. Furthermore it underlines the need for a multidisciplinary approach in these disorders and how the figure of the <i>cardio-myo-geneticist</i> may play a key role in facilitating the diagnostic process, and addressing the adoption of appropriate prevention measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":93851,"journal":{"name":"Acta myologica : myopathies and cardiomyopathies : official journal of the Mediterranean Society of Myology","volume":"38 2","pages":"33-36"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3f/76/am-2019-02-33.PMC6598412.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41223305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alberto Palladino, Andrea A Papa, Salvatore Morra, Vincenzo Russo, Manuela Ergoli, Anna Rago, Chiara Orsini, Gerardo Nigro, Luisa Politano
{"title":"Are there real benefits to implanting cardiac devices in patients with end-stage dilated dystrophinopathic cardiomyopathy? Review of literature and personal results.","authors":"Alberto Palladino, Andrea A Papa, Salvatore Morra, Vincenzo Russo, Manuela Ergoli, Anna Rago, Chiara Orsini, Gerardo Nigro, Luisa Politano","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cardiomyopathy associated with dystrophinopathies - Duchenne muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy (XL-CM) and cardiomyopathy of Duchenne/Becker (DMD/BMD carriers - is an almost constant manifestation of these neuromuscular disorders and contribute significantly to their morbidity and mortality. Dystrophinopathic cardiomyopathy is the result of the dystrophin protein deficiency at the myocardium level, parallel to that occurring at the skeletal muscle level. Typically, cardiomyopathy begins as a \"presymptomatic\" stage in the first decade of life and evolves in a stepwise manner toward an end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy. Nearly complete replacement of the myocardium by fibrous and fatty connective tissue results in an irreversible cardiac failure, characterized by a further reduction of ejection fraction (EF < 30%) and frequent episodes of acute heart failure (HF). The picture of a severe dilated cardiomyopathy with intractable heart failure is typical of dystrophinopathies. Despite an appropriate pharmacological treatment, this condition is irreversible because of the extensive loss of myocites. Heart transplantation is the only curative therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure, who remain symptomatic despite an optimal medical therapy. However there is a reluctance to perform heart transplantation (HT) in these patients due to the scarcity of donors and the concerns that the accompanying myopathy will limit the benefits obtained through this therapeutic option. Therefore the only possibility to ameliorate clinical symptoms, prevent fatal arrhythmias and cardiac death in dystrophinopathic patients could be the implantation of intracardiac device (ICD) or resynchronizing devices with defibrillator (CRT-D). This overview reports the personal series of patients affected by DMD and BMD and DMD carriers who received ICD or CRT-D system, describe the clinical outcomes so far published and discuss pro and cons in the use of such devices.</p>","PeriodicalId":93851,"journal":{"name":"Acta myologica : myopathies and cardiomyopathies : official journal of the Mediterranean Society of Myology","volume":"38 1","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6598406/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141728353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Francesco Francini-Pesenti, Giorgia Querin, Cristina Martini, Sara Mareso, David Sacerdoti
{"title":"Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a cohort of italian patients with spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy.","authors":"Francesco Francini-Pesenti, Giorgia Querin, Cristina Martini, Sara Mareso, David Sacerdoti","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), is an X-linked motor neuron disease caused by a CAG-repeat expansion in the first exon of the androgen receptor gene (AR) on chromosome X. In SBMA, non-neural clinical phenotype includes disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism. We investigated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS), insulin resistance (IR) and non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a group of SBMA patients. Forty-seven consecutive patients genetically diagnosed with SBMA underwent biochemical analyses. In 24 patients abdominal sonography examination was performed. Twenty-three (49%) patients had fasting glucose above reference values and 31 (66%) patients had a homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) ≥ 2.6. High levels of total cholesterol were found in 24 (51%) patients, of LDL-cholesterol in 18 (38%) and of triglycerides in 18 (38%). HDL-cholesterol was decreased in 36 (77%) patients. Twenty-four (55%) subjects had 3 or more criteria of MS. A positive correlation (r = 0.52; p < 0.01) was observed between HOMA-IR and AR-CAG repeat length. AST and ALT were above the reference values respectively in 29 (62%) and 18 (38%) patients. At ultrasound examination increased liver echogenicity was found in 22 patients (92 %). In one patient liver cirrhosis was diagnosed. Liver/kidney ratio of grey-scale intensity, a semi-quantitative parameter of severity of steatosis, strongly correlated with BMI (r = 0.68; p < 0.005). Our study shows a high prevalence of IR, MS and NAFLD in SBMA patients, conditions that increase the cardiovascular risk and can lead to serious liver damage, warranting pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":93851,"journal":{"name":"Acta myologica : myopathies and cardiomyopathies : official journal of the Mediterranean Society of Myology","volume":"37 3","pages":"204-209"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a0/4a/am-2018-03-204.PMC6390113.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41172718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}