Key result
Diagnostic evaluation of a 38-year-old polio survivor with new weakness revealed myotonic dystrophy type 1, highlighting the importance of considering uncommon conditions in postpolio syndrome.
Case Report (n=1)
This case highlights the importance of considering other uncommon conditions, such as myotonic dystrophy, in the differential diagnosis of postpolio syndrome.
May warrant considering myotonic dystrophy in postpolio syndrome differentials; single case leaves open need for prospective validation.
We describe a 38-yr-old polio survivor with newly developed weakness from myotonic dystrophy. He suffered muscle atrophy and weakness in his legs as a result of poliomyelitis at the age of 3 yrs. After a stable interval of about 30 yrs, he felt new weakness and fatigue in his legs. Electromyography revealed generalized myotonic discharges, early recruitment, and findings of chronic denervation in his left leg. Genetic testing was consistent with myotonic dystrophy type 1. A biopsy from the right gastrocnemius revealed findings of both myotonic dystrophy and chronic denervation. This case report shows the importance of considering other uncommon conditions in the differential diagnoses of postpolio syndrome.
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Lim et al. (2009) conducted a case report in Myotonic dystrophy mimicking postpolio syndrome (n=1). Diagnostic evaluation of a 38-year-old polio survivor with new weakness revealed myotonic dystrophy type 1, highlighting the importance of considering uncommon conditions in postpolio syndrome.
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