The Phenotype and Genotype of Congenital Myopathies Based on a Large Pediatric Cohort

Background: Congenital myopathies (CMs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of hereditary muscular disorders. The distribution of genetic and histologic subtypes has been addressed in only a few cohorts, and the relationship between phenotypes and genotypes is only partially understood. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional data collection study conducted at a single center. The clinical, histopathological, and molecular characterization of 104 patients with CM is reported. Results: The most common histopathological subtype was core myopathy (42%). Patients with severe endomysial fibrosis were more commonly unable to walk than patients with only a mild-grade endomysial fibrosis (56% vs 16%). Inability to walk was also more prevalent in patients with severe fatty replacement (44% vs 19%). The genetic etiology was more frequently identified among those patients with specific histologic findings (74% vs 62%). A definite molecular diagnosis was reached in 65 of 104 patients (62%), with RYR1 (24/104) and ITN (8/104) being the most frequent causative genes. Neonatal onset occurred in 56%. Independent ambulation was achieved by 74%. Patients who walked late were more likely to become wheelchair-dependent. Respiratory support was needed in one of three patients. Gastrostomy placement was required in 15%. Cardiac involvement was observed in 3%, scoliosis in 43%, and intellectual disability in 6%. Conclusions: This study provides an updated picture of the clinical, histopathological, and molecular landscape of CMs. Independently of the causative gene, fibrosis and fatty replacement in muscle biopsy specimens are associated with clinical severity. Mutations in TTN are responsible for a higher proportion of cases than previously thought. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Congenital myopathies are a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of muscular disorders, with fibrosis and fatty replacement in muscle tissue being associated with clinical severity. Mutations in TTN are responsible for a higher proportion of cases than previously thought, indicating their significant role in the pathology of the disease.