Muscle magnetic resonance imaging in spinal muscular atrophy type 3: Selective and progressive involvement

ABSTRACT Introduction In this study we sought to identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs of selective muscle involvement and disease progression in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 3b (SMA3b). Methods Twenty‐five patients with genetically confirmed SMA3b underwent MRI on a 1.5‐Tesla MR scanner. Results MRI showed significantly more severe involvement of the iliopsoas than of the gluteus maximus muscles, and more severe involvement of the triceps brachii than of the biceps brachii muscles. The quadriceps femoris muscles were severely involved. The deltoid, adductor longus, portions of the hamstrings, gracilis, sartorius, and rectus abdominis muscles were well preserved. We found a significant positive correlation between MRI changes and disease duration for gluteus maximus and triceps brachii. Follow‐up MRIs of 4 patients showed disease progression. Conclusions This study confirms the pattern of selective muscle involvement suggested by previous studies and further refines muscle MRI changes in SMA3b. Progressive muscle involvement is implicated. Muscle Nerve 55: 651–656, 2017