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Extraocular muscles are spared in advanced duchenne dystrophy
Author(s) -
Kaminski Henry J.,
AlHakim Mazen,
Leigh R. John,
Bashar M. Katirji,
Ruff Robert L.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
annals of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.764
H-Index - 296
eISSN - 1531-8249
pISSN - 0364-5134
DOI - 10.1002/ana.410320418
Subject(s) - duchenne muscular dystrophy , extraocular muscles , physical medicine and rehabilitation , medicine , anatomy
Fast‐twitch extremity muscle fibers are preferentially affected in Duchenne's and Becker' muscular dystrophy. Since saccades are thought to be mediated by fast‐twitch fibers, saccadic velocities would be expected to be decreased in these patients. Using infrared oculography, we found that the peak velocities of saccades in 3 patients with advanced Duchenne's or Becker's muscular dystrophy were normal. Clinical findings in 7 other patients with these forms of dystrophy were normal. This investigation is the first study of ocular motility in Duchenne's and Becker's muscular dystrophy. It demonstrates that extraocular muscle function is preserved and suggests that fast‐twitch fibers in extraocular muscles possess properties that protect against degeneration.