Muscle MRI: Predicting Functional Deterioration with Becker Muscular Dystrophy

Muscle MRI is a useful tool, especially when it comes to the follow-up and diagnosis of individuals with muscle dystrophies. BMD (Becker muscular dystrophy) is a type of inherited condition capable of causing wasting and progressive weaknesses of cardiac and skeletal muscles that is much more common in males than females. 

Previously, muscle MRI has really been helpful in matters related to the function and the structure of skeletal muscles. According to research done by Jordi Diaz-Manera and friends, muscle MRI can help people learn more about oedema or fatty infiltration. This is an important tool when it comes to choosing muscles for biopsy in individuals who have no clear muscle weaknesses.

Muscle MRI doesn’t use radiation, which means it can help study the progression of the neuromuscular disorder like Becker muscular dystrophy. In the past, this technique was used to show whether there is any relationship between individuals suffering from LMGD and muscle strength. For this reason, the technique is indeed an important tool when it comes to attending individuals with conditions like muscular dystrophy.

This tool uses radio waves, a computer, and magnetic field to create detailed pictures of bones, soft tissues, and joints. It is commonly used to evaluate the body for tumors, degenerative disorders, and injuries.

This technique doesn’t involve x-rays as well, which makes it different from CAT scans and an ICT. MRI is actually a type of nuclear magnetic resonance that can be used in other applications like NMR spectroscopy. It is commonly used in clinics and hospitals for the purposes of medical diagnosis and other related activities without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation.

However, MRI scans have fewer risks, they are more uncomfortable when compared to other types of tests. MRIs are usually louder and take longer, unlike an ICT, and while in use, a patient is required to get into a narrow and confining tube. Individuals with medical implants and other non-removable pieces of metal within their bodies may also not be the right candidates for a MRI.       

Learning more about Becker muscular dystrophy

This condition is named after a person called Peter Emil Becker. He was a German doctor who first described a condition known as DMD (Duchenne muscular dystrophy) in the year 1950s. DMD has characteristics similar to those of BMD, however, the only slight difference between the two conditions is that DMD allows the muscles to perform much better as compared to what happens in BMD.

This condition affects more males than females, and the symptoms of this ailment start to appear between the ages five and fifteen years old. In most cases, a condition known as cardiomyopathy is the first sign. BMD occurs as a result of mutation or changes in someone's genes, particularly with the production of dystrophin.

Although BMD and DMD have many similar characteristics, they also have some differences. In BMD the symptoms start later in life and also develop at a slower rate as compared to DMD. At present, the cure of this condition has not yet been identified. However, scientists are working hard to ensure that BMD patient can manage their condition to live a longer life.

Currently, the progress is promising. Researchers are working on a treatment that will not only relieve the symptoms of an individual but also enhance their quality of life. With the right medical care, individuals suffering from this condition can live for about 40 years and more because of the medical advancements taking place.