MRI Study of Back Muscles in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Scoliosis
Author Information
Author(s): Zoabli Gnahoua, Mathieu Pierre A, Aubin Carl-Éric
Primary Institution: Research Centre, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, University of Montreal
Hypothesis
How do anatomical changes in back muscles lead to scoliosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients?
Conclusion
Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients show greater fat infiltration in back muscles on the convex side of scoliosis, which may contribute to spinal deformities.
Supporting Evidence
- The volume of the erector spinae muscle was smaller on the convex side in scoliotic patients.
- Fat infiltration was significantly higher in DMD patients compared to healthy controls.
- Skin thickness was greater on the concave side of the scoliosis in DMD patients.
Takeaway
This study looked at how the muscles in the back of boys with a disease called Duchenne muscular dystrophy can change and cause a curve in their spine. They found that one side of the back muscles had more fat, which can make the spine bend.
Methodology
MRI was used to measure muscle volume and fat infiltration in the erector spinae muscles of 8 DMD patients and 2 healthy controls.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small number of participants and the specific age range of subjects.
Limitations
The small sample size of patients limits the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Eight male DMD patients aged 10.9 to 15.3 years and two healthy male controls aged 9 and 10 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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