In patients with muscular dystrophy, which organ may be affected and require preoperative testing?

In patients with muscular dystrophy, which organ may be affected and require preoperative testing?

• A. Lungs
• B. Liver
• C. Kidneys
• D. Heart

Answer: (D)

Heart involvement is a key concern in muscular dystrophy because the disease can cause cardiomyopathy and conduction problems even when limb weakness is the dominant feature. This makes preoperative cardiac evaluation essential: an ECG to detect rhythm or conduction abnormalities and an echocardiogram to assess heart size and function. In some cases, additional monitoring such as a Holter study or stress testing may be used if indicated. While respiratory muscle weakness in muscular dystrophy does raise pulmonary risks that may also need assessment, the organ that may be affected and specifically requires preoperative testing is the heart.

Heart involvement is a key concern in muscular dystrophy because the disease can cause cardiomyopathy and conduction problems even when limb weakness is the dominant feature. This makes preoperative cardiac evaluation essential: an ECG to detect rhythm or conduction abnormalities and an echocardiogram to assess heart size and function. In some cases, additional monitoring such as a Holter study or stress testing may be used if indicated. While respiratory muscle weakness in muscular dystrophy does raise pulmonary risks that may also need assessment, the organ that may be affected and specifically requires preoperative testing is the heart.