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Recently, abnormal expression of cyclin-dependent kinases was proposed as a possible cause of desminopathy. We describe an atypical case clinically characterized by severe respiratory distress. Muscle biopsy showed subsarcolemmal and intracytoplasmic accumulation areas, which intensively stained with anti-desmin antibodies and contained electrondense filamentous material at ultrastructural level. WB analysis showed 30% increased desmin signal compared to controls. Positive immunostain for CDC2 kinase, CDK2 and emerin and nuclear matrix-associated protein were, found in desmin-positive fibres.

We describe a family, two brothers and their mother, who came to our observation because of slight to moderate hyperCKemia. The younger brother, who had the highest CK values, was only suffering from episodic myalgia, the other two members of the family were asymptomatic. Neurological examination was normal. Both brothers underwent muscle biopsy which was significant for the presence of abnormal sarcoplasmic areas of desmin accumulation. So far, desmin abnormalities have never been reported in patients with such a mild neuromuscular pattern. We discuss possible correlations between severity of clinical phenotype and degree of desmin accumulation.