Myosclerosis, Autosomal Recessive

A rare genetic non-dystrophic myopathy characterized by early diffuse, progressive muscle and joint contractures that result in severe limitation of movement of axial, proximal and distal joints, walking difficulties in early childhood and toe walking. Patients typically present thin, sclerotic muscles with a woody consistency, mild girdle and proximal limb weakness with moderate distal weakness and scoliosis. Muscle biopsy shows partial collagen VI deficiency at the myofiber basement membrane and absent collagen VI around most endomysial/perimysial capillaries. There is evidence the disease is caused by homozygous mutation in the COL6A2 gene.