Troponin Levels in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Mechanisms of Troponin Elevation in DMD

• The cardiac isoforms of troponin T and I are exclusively expressed in cardiac myocytes, making their detection in blood specific for myocardial damage, as noted by the European Society of Cardiology 1, 2

Distinguishing Features from Other Causes of Troponin Elevation

• Elevated troponin in DMD should be distinguished from other non-ischemic causes of troponin elevation such as myocarditis, heart failure, pulmonary embolism, or renal failure, according to the American Heart Association 3, 4
• The pattern of troponin elevation in DMD differs from that seen in acute coronary syndromes, as it may not show the characteristic rise and fall pattern, as reported by the National Kidney Foundation 5