Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy

What is Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy?

Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy (EDMD) is a condition that mainly affects muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles) and the heart (cardiac) muscle. It is named after Alan Eglin H. Emery and Fritz E. Dreifuss.

Among the earliest features of this disorder are joint deformities called contractures, which restrict the movement of certain joints. Contractures can become noticeable in early childhood and most often involve the elbows, ankles, and neck. Most affected individuals also experience slowly progressive muscle weakness and wasting, beginning in muscles of the upper arms and lower legs and progressing to muscles in the shoulders and hips.

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