What is a hallmark sign of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the gastrocnemius?

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Multiple Choice

What is a hallmark sign of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the gastrocnemius?

Explanation:
Duchenne muscular dystrophy leads to loss of muscle fibers with replacement by fat and fibrous tissue, especially in the calves. In the gastrocnemius, this causes pseudohypertrophy—the calf looks enlarged, but the muscle is actually weak because the bulk is fat and connective tissue rather than functional muscle fibers. This distinct pattern helps distinguish true muscle growth (hypertrophy), muscle wasting (atrophy), or spasticity (neurogenic sign) from the functional weakness seen in DMD.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy leads to loss of muscle fibers with replacement by fat and fibrous tissue, especially in the calves. In the gastrocnemius, this causes pseudohypertrophy—the calf looks enlarged, but the muscle is actually weak because the bulk is fat and connective tissue rather than functional muscle fibers. This distinct pattern helps distinguish true muscle growth (hypertrophy), muscle wasting (atrophy), or spasticity (neurogenic sign) from the functional weakness seen in DMD.

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