Duchenne muscular dystrophy synonyms

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. It primarily affects males, with symptoms typically appearing in early childhood. DMD is caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene, which is responsible for producing a protein called dystrophin that helps protect and strengthen muscle fibers.

Also known as:

• Pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy


• Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD)


• DMD


• Progressive muscular dystrophy

Pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy is an alternative name for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It refers to the characteristic symptom of muscle enlargement, which is caused by the replacement of muscle tissue with fat and connective tissue. This pseudohypertrophy gives the false appearance of muscle growth, while in reality, the muscle fibers are progressively degenerating.

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is a related disorder that shares similarities with DMD. It is also caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene, but the symptoms are generally milder and progress more slowly. BMD typically appears later in childhood or adolescence and can also affect females, although it is less common.

Progressive muscular dystrophy is a general term used to describe a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. DMD falls under this category, along with other types of muscular dystrophy such as Becker muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.