Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD), clinically characterized by scapulo-humero-peroneal muscle atrophy and weakness, multi-joint contractures with spine rigidity and cardiomyopathy with conduction defects, is associated with structural/functional defect of genes that encode the proteins of nuclear envelope, including lamin A and several lamin-interacting proteins.
Mutations in the lamin A/C gene should be sought in any infant with dystrophic features and normal tissue immunochemical studies; especially in the presence of moderately elevated serum creatine kinase, predominant axial and humeroperoneal weakness, spine rigidity, and joint contractures.