First familial Becker muscular dystrophy in Tanzania: Clinical and genetic features

Neuromuscul Disord. 2019 Apr;29(4):317-320. doi: 10.1016/j.nmd.2019.01.006. Epub 2019 Jan 25.

Abstract

In African neurological practice, muscle disorders are either underdiagnosed or underrepresented. This may in part be due to the large burden of other more common neurological disorders. In this report we describe the first Tanzanian patient with genetically confirmed Becker muscular dystrophy. His phenotype and genotype were compatible with elsewhere in the world. Remarkably, this patient reported his progressive weakness of the legs with difficulty in walking only after a fall. We demonstrate that muscular dystrophies occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Neurologists must however be aware that patients are likely to delay seeking medical care for muscle disorders.

Keywords: Africa; Becker muscular dystrophy; Global neurology; Muscular dystrophy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne* / diagnosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne* / genetics
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne* / physiopathology
  • Pedigree
  • Tanzania