Dystrophia Myotonica—a Radiological Survey

Abstract

Nineteen cases of dystrophia myotonica were surveyed radiologically. The post-mortem findings in 1 case and in the infant child of another are presented. Abnormalities were found in the gastro-intestinal tract of 13 out of 18 cases investigated. The most common changes were in the esophagus, which showed poor peristalsis and well-marked dilatation, with pooling of Ba in the pharynx. Two cases had a Ba enema examination. In one of these the colon was atonic with a deficient haustral pattern throughout the bowel. Basal atelectasis with elevation of the diaphragm was present in 9 cases. The skull radiographs of 11 patients showed some or all the following features: hyperostosis; thick posterior clinoid processes; ossification of the diaphragma sella; poor mandibular angle; large frontal sinuses.