Nemaline rod myopathy: a rare form of myopathy

Nemaline myopathy in a newborn infant: a rare muscle disorder

Nemaline myopathy (NM) is a genetically and clinically heterogeneous muscle disorder, defined by the presence of characteristic nemaline bodies on muscle biopsy. The disease has a wide spectrum of phenotypes, ranging from forms with neonatal onset and fatal outcome to asymptomatic forms. The neonatal form is severe and usually fatal. The clinical variability, with differing age of onset and severity of symptoms makes the diagnosis difficult during infancy. There is no curative treatment. L-tyrosine may prevent aspiration by reducing pharyngeal secretions and drooling. Most of the patients die from respiratory and cardiac failure. This article discusses a newborn infant who presented with generalized weakness and respiratory failure. Partial response to L-tyrosine treatment was noted. The case is worth presenting to remind clinicians of congenital myopathies in the differential diagnosis of floppy infant during neonatal period and to emphasize the importance of muscle biopsy in diagnosis.

Mutations in the nebulin gene in a child with nemaline (rod) myopathy

Nemaline myopathy, also called rod myopathy, is a relatively common congenital myopathy and probably second in incidence only to central core disease. The mainstay of diagnosis is histopathology, but detection of the causative mutation is mandatory for determining the mode of inheritance and for prenatal diagnosis. The authors report two siblings with nemaline myopathy caused by mutations in the nebulin gene.

Clinical and pathological features of childhood-onset nemaline myopathy: a report of four cases

We examined whether immunological abnormalities can be found in the specimens of four childhood-onset nemaline myopathy (NM) patients without autoimmune diseases. Pathological examination revealed that nemaline rods were found in all specimens. The immunohistochemical results showed that CD4 positive cells and some other cells were gathered among the necrotic muscle fibers. We conclude that immunological abnormalities are present in the specimens of certain childhood-onset NM patients without autoimmune diseases. Further evaluation of the immunological changes is warranted in childhood-onset NM patients.