Central Core Disease: Facial Weakness Differentiating Biallelic from Monoallelic Forms

A case report of central core disease with repeated foaming at the mouth as the initial symptom

BACKGROUND

Central core disease (CCD) is a congenital myopathy primarily observed in infants and children. It frequently manifests as limb weakness or delayed motor development, characterized by gradually progressing or non-worsening weakness and muscle atrophy primarily affecting the proximal limbs. Joint deformity is a prevalent clinical feature. Presently, there is no targeted treatment available for this condition.

CASE DESCRIPTION

The infant, who was 42 days old, showed a repeated occurrence of foaming at the mouth for more than a month as the initial symptom. Initially, the local clinic misdiagnosed it as softening of the thyroid cartilage. However, when the infant underwent bronchoscopy at our hospital, it was discovered that the pharyngeal muscle was loose, and there was noticeable retraction of the base of the tongue. Additionally, the infant displayed evident hypotonia and an increase in creatine kinase levels. By conducting a thorough genetic examination, we confirmed that the infant had CCD.

CONCLUSION

The onset of CCD may manifest as various symptoms. Medical practitioners need to be attentive in recognizing individuals who experience recurring pneumonia along with reduced muscle tone during the course of clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Editorial for the Genetics of Muscular Dystrophies from the Pathogenesis to Gene Therapy Special Issue

Muscular dystrophies (MDs) make up a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of skeletal muscle diseases with progressive muscle weakness and atrophy [...].