Spinal muscular atrophy- Ryukyuan type

Overview

Spinal muscular atrophy, Ryukyuan type: A recessively inherited disorder occurring in males from a Japanese inhabitants of Ryukyu Islands. The disorder is characterized by muscle wasting and weakness that affects the lower legs more than the arms.

Symptoms

Leg weakness Leg wasting Arm weakness Arm wasting Scoliosis

Diagnosis

Weakness is most severe in muscles closest to the center of the body, such as those of the shoulders, hips, thighs and upper back. Respiratory muscle weakness and spinal curvature sometimes develop.