| a group of genetically transmitted diseases characterized by progressive atrophy of symmetric groups of skeletal muscles without evidence of involvement or degeneration of neural tissue. In all forms of muscular dystrophy there is an insidious loss of strength with increasing disability and deformity. Serum creatine phosphokinase is increased in affected individuals and acts as a diagnostic aid. Diagnosis is confirmed by muscle biopsy, electromyography, and genetic pedigree. |