MR in Patients With Collagen VI Related Myopathies

Collagen VI-related diseases include Bethlem myopathy and Ulrich dystrophy. They are both caused by decreased levels or a lack of collagen VI. The first symptoms can be present at birth as joint laxity and hypotonic muscles; often seen with luxation of the hip and scoliosis. During childhood, patients may develop contractures of fingers, wrists, elbows and ankles. Muscle weakness often appears in childhood to early adulthood and is progressive. It often results in walking difficulties. There is no treatment available for Behtlem and Ulrich dystrophies. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the pattern of involved muscles, the function and quality of the muscles and the disease severity using MRI.