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PrintOculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM) is a rare, adult-onset hereditary muscle disease. People with OPDM present with progressive eye and throat (pharyngeal) problems and involvement of the muscles of the lower legs and arms. Symptoms may include eyelid drooping (ptosis), swallowing difficulty, hoarse and nasal voice, leg and arm weakness, as well as muscle wasting in the face and in the legs and arms. Many people have respiratory problems due to respiratory muscle weakness. In rare cases, there is also hearing loss, as well as severe weakness in muscles of the forearms and thighs. As the disease progresses, other muscles may be affected. A blood exam may show an increased creatine kinase level and an abnormal EMG. Inheritance may be autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive. The specific cause is still unknown.
The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) has information and resources for patients, caregivers, and families that may be helpful before and after diagnosis of this condition. GARD is a program of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
View reportOrphanet has a summary about this condition that may include information on the diagnosis, care, and treatment as well as other resources. Some of the information and resources are available in languages other than English. The summary may include medical terms, so we encourage you to share and discuss this information with your doctor. Orphanet is the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research and the Health Programme of the European Union.
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