Muscle MRI: Predicting Functional Deterioration with Becker Muscular Dystrophy

In most cases, muscular dystrophy occurs due to mutations associated within a certain gene. This gene instructs the body to make a type of protein that is known as dystrophin. This kind of protein does not only stabilize the body, but it also protects the muscle fibers. It also plays an important role when it comes to chemical signaling within the cells.

Mutations result in the production of fake dystrophin. This is actually what causes most of the problems because fake dystrophin cannot perform the required functions. Muscles without the right amount of dystrophin become weak and tend to relax and contract unnecessarily. These muscles end up dying, hence resulting in heart problems afterward.