Gated radionuclide ventriculography in the evaluation of cardiac function in Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.

Abstract

Left ventricular ejection fractions were determined in 38 patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. No significant correlation between the severity of respiratory dysfunction or age and cardiac function was seen. We suggest that the cardiac status of each patient should be evaluated separately from his respiratory status, particularly when long-term assisted ventilation is being considered.