An unusual myopathy: speckled muscle fibers due to enlarged mitochondria

Muscle Nerve. 2007 Jul;36(1):118-22. doi: 10.1002/mus.20740.

Abstract

We report a 52-year-old woman who presented with a 6-month history of proximal muscle weakness, elevated serum creatine kinase, and myopathic pattern on electromyography (EMG). Histology of the muscle shows a speckled pattern due to clustering of enlarged mitochondria. The pathology resembles that of selenium deficiency. The patient was found to have borderline low serum selenium and also low vitamin D and thyroid-stimulating hormone. The cause of this unusual myopathy is probably multifactorial. This case is important because the unusual pathological picture represents a potentially treatable myopathy. In addition, we hope that publication of the complex clinical and biochemical abnormalities of this case, in conjunction with other case reports, may facilitate future elucidation of muscle mitochondrial function and dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Electromyography / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitochondria / pathology
  • Mitochondria / ultrastructure
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / complications*
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / pathology
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / pathology
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / physiology
  • Muscular Diseases / etiology*
  • Muscular Diseases / pathology