fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy

fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy

[fas′ē·ō- skap′yəlōhyo̅o̅′mərəl]

Etymology: L, fasciculus, little bundle, scapula, shoulderblade, humerus, shoulder

an abnormal congenital condition that is one of the main types of muscular dystrophy. It is characterized by progressive symmetric wasting of the skeletal muscles, especially the muscles of the face, the shoulders, and the upper arms, without any associated neural or sensory disorders. This disease is not usually fatal but spreads to all the voluntary muscles and commonly produces a pendulous lower lip and the absence of the nasolabial fold. It is an autosomal-dominant disease that may be transmitted to males and females. Also called Landouzy-Dejerine muscular dystrophy. Compare Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.