Nemaline myopathy …

Jean K Mah MD

Developmental Malformations

Updated 08.22.2025
Released 12.16.1994
Expires For CME 08.22.2028

Nemaline myopathy

Author: Jean K Mah MD

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Editor: Harvey B Sarnat MD FRCPC MS

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Nemaline myopathy

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Introduction

Overview

Nemaline myopathy is probably the most common of the congenital myopathies and can present at any age, with variable disease severity. Pathologically it is characterized by the presence of nemaline bodies or rods in skeletal muscles. Affected individuals present with nonprogressive or slowly progressive generalized muscle weakness. As the known causative gene mutations expand, the classification system continues to evolve.

Key points

	• Nemaline myopathy is the most common of the congenital myopathies.
	• Nemaline myopathy can present at any age with proximal muscle weakness, respiratory insufficiency, or bulbar dysfunction.
	• Childhood forms of nemaline myopathy are caused by mutations in numerous genes associated with the structure or regulation of the skeletal muscle thin filament.
	• Adult forms of nemaline myopathy can be more rapidly progressive and may be caused by immune dysregulation.

Historical note and terminology

Nemaline myopathy was first described in 1963 by investigators from the United States and Canada (18; 122). Nemaline myopathy is defined by a particular ultrastructural change on muscle biopsy: the finding of thread-shaped structures in muscle fibers, which are known as nemaline bodies, or rods (from the Greek nema, meaning thread).

Clinical manifestations

Presentation and course

Children with nemaline myopathy usually present with muscle weakness and hypotonia, which in most instances are apparent from the neonatal period or early infancy. The most severe form rarely presents with fetal akinesia sequence (65).

The severe form of nemaline myopathy manifests at delivery with severe hypotonia, minimal limb movement, and poor respiratory effort. Polyhydramnios and decreased fetal movements in pregnancy are common due to early intrauterine disease (105). Early mortality is common and is usually due to respiratory insufficiency or aspiration pneumonia, although a minority of infants with severe generalized weakness may survive long-term (72; 103; 07).

An intermediate form of nemaline myopathy was recognized in prior classification schemes; however, this category had no genotype-phenotype correlation, and thus has been combined into the typical congenital form in the current classification system (67).

The typical congenital form of nemaline myopathy usually presents in the neonatal period or first year of life with hypotonia, weakness, and feeding difficulties. Spontaneous limb movements are present, and respiratory involvement is less prominent. Respiratory musculature weakness is common but may manifest only as frequent lower respiratory tract infections or silent nocturnal hypoventilation. A minority of cases present after 1 year of age with gross motor delay, an abnormal waddling gait, and bulbar weakness manifesting as hypernasal speech or swallowing difficulties. Weakness is usually proximal at presentation, but late distal involvement is seen in approximately 20% of patients (105). Most patients survive into late childhood and adulthood, with static or slowly progressive weakness, and are able to lead an independent, active life.

Nemaline myopathy (Gowers sign)

To arise, this boy uses his arms for support, walking his hands up his legs. (Contributed by Dr. Susan Iannaccone.)

Mild childhood-onset nemaline myopathy presents with symmetrical distal lower limb weakness in early childhood, or less commonly with slowed limb movements (63; 107). Subsequent development of proximal weakness and wasting is seen in some cases, with progressive bulbar involvement and loss of ambulation by the age of 40 years.

More variability is seen in the late- or adult-onset form of nemaline myopathy, sometimes referred to as sporadic late-onset nemaline myopathy (SLONM), which presents between 20 and 50 years of age with rapidly progressive generalized limb girdle weakness and myalgia, usually without antecedent symptoms or family history (105). Cases can be associated with a monoclonal gammopathy, early HIV infection (67), or autoimmune disease (137). Atypical cases present with cardiomyopathy, or the “dropped head” syndrome. Respiratory involvement is uncommon, but occasional cases of nemaline myopathy present with adult-onset respiratory failure (59).

Nemaline myopathy affects the proximal limb muscles most severely, but all skeletal muscles, including the diaphragm, are involved. Muscle wasting is not invariable, but older children and adults are commonly slender. Proximal weakness is reflected in a wadding gait in ambulant patients. In adult-onset cases, initial distal weakness with foot drop and progressive gait abnormalities may be followed by later evolution of proximal involvement (63). In a minority of sporadic cases, weakness and joint contractures occur in a scapulohumeral distribution.

In the congenital forms of nemaline myopathy, the face is myopathic and expressionless, the mouth tent-shaped, and the palate high-arched.

Nemaline myopathy (facial weakness and habitus)

Patients often have a long, thin body habitus due to reduced muscle bulk. Facial weakness can be misinterpreted as flattening of affect. (Contributed by Dr. Susan Iannaccone.)

There may be retrognathia or relative micrognathia due to abnormal muscle stresses on the developing mandible. The extraocular muscles are usually spared, except that patients with pathogenic variants in KLHL40 and LMOD3 may have ophthalmoplegia (101; 150). Dysarthria and dysphagia are common. Bulbar involvement may also be reflected in a hypernasal voice and wasting of the tongue. Weakness of the neck flexors causes difficulty in lifting the head against gravity when supine and weakness of the neck extensors presents as dropped head syndrome while standing. Peripherally, poor muscle bulk is associated with depressed or absent deep tendon reflexes. Gross motor milestones are delayed, but most patients are otherwise developmentally normal.

Respiratory involvement is universal in congenital nemaline myopathy and is frequent in patients with onset in later life. In infancy, respiratory and limb weakness are similar in degree. Chest deformity may be present at birth or develop with increasing age. The variant of nemaline myopathy caused by mutations in TNNT1 in the North American Amish community is known as “chicken breast disease” because of its frequent association with pectus carinatum (50). In older patients, subclinical restriction of respiratory capacity may develop because of respiratory muscle weakness, sleep apnea, poor clearance of secretions, and scoliosis. Nocturnal hypoxia places patients at risk of sudden respiratory failure with intercurrent infections (140; 111; 41).

Infants with congenital nemaline myopathy commonly have feeding difficulties and failure to thrive (105).

Nemaline myopathy in brothers

Two brothers, ages 4 and 10 years, with nemaline myopathy. Both boys had difficulty sucking and swallowing after birth. (Contributed by Dr. Susan Iannaccone.)

Myocardial involvement is uncommon in congenital nemaline myopathy (105); it has been reported in a few patients with ACTA1 (22; 55), MYPN (80), or a contiguous deletion of TNNT1 and TNN13 (127). Cardiac manifestations in patients with nemaline myopathy include cardiomyopathy and cor pulmonale (30).

Arthrogryposis is occasionally reported in congenital nemaline myopathy, presumably because of decreased movement in utero (13; 105). In the Amish form of nemaline myopathy described by Johnston and colleagues, mild congenital contractures of the shoulders and hips progressed over the first few months of life in association with increasing hypotonia and weakness (50). Joint hypermobility may be seen in hypotonic infants and children with nemaline myopathy, but development of distal and large-joint contractures, and scoliosis, is common with increasing age. The rigid-spine syndrome is occasionally seen (140). Other uncommon manifestations include congenital fractures (14; 105), arachnodactyly, and clinodactyly.

The central nervous system and cognition are usually minimally or unaffected in nemaline myopathy (120; 140). Generalized myoclonus and minipolymyoclonus have rarely been described in congenital nemaline myopathy (17; 11), whereas the Amish variant of nemaline myopathy is marked by “abnormal vibratory fetal movements” and excessive neonatal jitteriness (50).

Prognosis and complications

Prognosis in nemaline myopathy is dependent on the severity of weakness of the respiratory, bulbar, and limb muscles. Early mortality is common, most often during the first year of life, and is invariably related to respiratory insufficiency. Arthrogryposis, neonatal respiratory failure, and failure to achieve early motor milestones are associated with a greater risk of early mortality (105). Surviving patients are at risk of recurrent pneumonia, aspiration, and chronic respiratory insufficiency (73; 42; 140). Prolonged respiratory insufficiency with chronic hypercarbia may lead to cor pulmonale. In such cases, nighttime noninvasive ventilation improves daytime oxygenation and exercise capacity, reduces cor pulmonale and may prolong survival. Other complications of nemaline myopathy include failure to thrive, bulbar weakness with dysarthria and speech delay, and orthopedic deformities including contractures and scoliosis (12).

Clinical vignette

JB was the first child of nonconsanguineous parents. The pregnancy was complicated by mild polyhydramnios. He was delivered at term by Cesarean section because of fetal distress, with a birth weight of 3200 gm. He required oxygen therapy for the first four days of life and had early difficulty with feeding due to a weak suck. Gastroesophageal reflux was identified on a barium swallow. Weight gain improved after the early introduction of solids.

From the first few days of life, his cry was weak and he drooled excessively. His eyes closed incompletely in sleep. He sat at 5 months, crawled at 1 year, and took his first steps at 20 months of age. During infancy, he had recurrent episodes of choking and numerous lower respiratory tract infections. His speech was markedly dysarthric.

When first seen by a neurologist at 20 months of age, he was thin, with poor muscle bulk, and a myopathic face. There was marked head lag and generalized hypotonia. Muscle power was decreased in all extremities and the tendon reflexes were hypoactive. Nerve conduction studies were normal. Needle electromyography revealed low-amplitude polyphasic motor unit action potentials. The serum creatine kinase was normal. On muscle biopsy, there was increased fiber size variation, with type 1 fiber predominance. The Gomori trichrome stain revealed nemaline bodies in most fibers. No intranuclear rods were seen on electron microscopy.

An echocardiography was unremarkable. A sleep study demonstrated occasional episodes of sleep apnea without significant desaturation.

With increasing age, a decrease in the frequency of his chest infections was accompanied by decreasing dysphagia and dysarthria. No progression of his weakness was apparent and his endurance appeared to improve. At 3 years of age he continued to make gains in all developmental spheres.

Biological basis

Etiology and pathogenesis

Nemaline myopathy is defined by the presence of nemaline rods in myofibers, when present in the appropriate clinical setting of muscle weakness.

Genetics. A growing number of genetic loci have now been identified for childhood-onset nemaline myopathy, all of which are associated with the thin filament of the sarcomere in skeletal muscle whether by encoding structures proteins or regulatory proteins. Mutations in NEB and ACTA1 are the most common, though many other affected genes have been described (in order of discovery) alpha-tropomyosin slow (TPM3, chromosome 1q21-23) (64); nebulin (NEB, chromosome 2q21.2-22) (96); alpha-actin (ACTA1, chromosome 1q42.1) (93); troponin T1 (TNNT1, chromosome 19q13.4) (50); beta tropomyosin (TPM2, chromosome 9p13.2) (25); cofilin-2 (CFL2, chromosome 14q12) (01); Kelch repeat and BTB (POZ) domain containing 13 (KBTBD13 (chromosome 15q22); KBTBD13 (chromosome 15q22) (107); Kelch-like family member 40 (KLHL40, chromosome 3p22.1) (101); Kelch-like family member 41 (KLHL41, chromosome 2q31.1) (38); leiomodin-3 (LMOD3, chromosome 3p14.1) (150); myopalladin (MYPN, chromosome 10q21.3) (80); and troponin T3 (TNNT3, chromosome 11p15.5) (108). These genes encode structural proteins of the thin filament (NEB, ACTA1, TPM3, TPM2, MYPN), support function of the thin filament (via the troponin complex genes TNN1 and TNNT3) during muscle contraction, and regulate the stability or turnover of these of these structural proteins in muscle fibers (KLH40, KLHL41, KBTBD13). KBTBD13, CFL2, LMOD3. Mutations in several of these genes also cause other muscle disorders.

Although myopathic changes with nemaline rods were seen with other genes including ryanodine receptor 1 (56), ryanodine receptor 3 (88), and filamin C mutations (28), they do not meet the criteria of nemaline myopathy due to the presence of other clinical and pathological features (142).

The mode of inheritance of nemaline myopathy is variable. Both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive inheritance patterns exist, sometimes even for different mutations in the same gene.

Genotype-phenotype correlation in nemaline myopathy has been extensively studied. Most typical congenital cases are thought to be due to nebulin mutations, but nebulin nemaline myopathy can present at any point in life (144). The clinical phenotype of nebulin myopathy has been expanded with descriptions of a distal myopathy caused by recessive mutations in this gene, which can present as early as the first decade (143; 69). Actin mutations may be associated with a more severe clinical phenotype and with intranuclear rods, but marked phenotypic variability can be seen within kindreds (44; 03; 37; 144). Actin mutations can also cause a milder dominant myopathy with cores, actin filament aggregate myopathy, and congenital fiber type disproportion (53; 62). There is a single report of actin aggregate myopathy in association with osteosclerosis and other morphologic abnormalities (05). Regardless of histopathologic phenotype, most individuals with actin mutations have severe muscle weakness, with many dying in the first year of life (62). Cardiac function is generally normal in actin nemaline myopathy. This may relate to variable expression of cardiac and skeletal muscle isoforms of actin at various points in ontogenesis (43). Overall, the mildest phenotype seems to be the childhood-onset form of nemaline myopathy associated with dominant mutations of the alpha-tropomyosin gene, TPM3 (64; 97). Mutations in this gene have also been linked to congenital fiber type disproportion and cap myopathy (24; 68).

Rare, distinctive phenotypes include the Amish form of nemaline myopathy caused by a mutation in the disease, which is found in the TNNT1 gene; it is associated with tremor, hypotonia, contractures, and progressive muscle weakness (50). Nemaline myopathy caused by dominant KBTBD13 mutations presents from early childhood with peculiarly slow voluntary movements and relative sparing of the facial and respiratory muscles (36; 107).

The cause of sporadic, late-onset nemaline myopathy is unknown, but the links with monoclonal gammopathy and with early HIV infection (during the phase of retained immunocompetence) have suggested a possible disorder of immune regulation. This postulate is given weight by reports of improved strength, respiratory capacity, and function after treatment of sporadic, adult-onset nemaline myopathy with melphalan and autologous stem-cell transplantation (09; 136; 79).

Sporadic late-onset nemaline myopathy seems to be related, in part, to aberrant immune activation (83). Proteomic profiling in cases of SLONM shows upregulation of proteins related to the immune system including proteins involved in MHCI, MHCII, antigen processing, phagocytosis, and B and/or T cell function.

Pathophysiology. Alpha-actinin, an actin-binding protein, is the major component of the rods seen on histology, which constitute an extension of the sarcomeric Z-band (99; 49). Rods also contain nebulin, a thin filament protein (39), tropomyosin (126), and myotilin, a structural protein that cross-links to actin and has a role in formation and stabilization of Z-discs (113). Nebulin binds to actin, and the size of nebulin correlates with actin filament length, suggesting that nebulin may determine the length of the thin filaments during myofibrillogenesis (26). Nebulin may also act to increase activation of thin filaments and increase the force and efficiency of muscle contraction by altering crossbridge cycling kinetics (15; 35; 95). Studies on the nebulin knock-out mouse suggest that nebulin acts to regulate thin filament length and maintain Z-band width and myofibrillar connectivity, and that it may increase thin filament activation (15; 133).

Seven thin filament proteins are mutated in differing forms of nemaline myopathy. Most attach to the muscle Z-band, suggesting that rod formation may follow disruption of the point of attachment of muscle proteins to actin or alpha-actinin (47; 60). Mutations in ACTA1 may alter the conformation or stability of actin monomers or polymers, directly or through perturbation of actin-actin association or by disruption of binding with other proteins (46; 139; 78). Expression of actin mutants in myotubes results in apoptotic cell death (134). In a transgenic mouse model, disease severity seems to correlate with mutation load (100). Tropomyosin also has a role in stabilization of filamentous actin and may enhance actin polymerization. Skeletal muscle expresses 3 tropomyosin (Tm) isoforms from separate genes: alphaTm(fast) (alphaTm, TPM1), betaTm (TPM2), and alphaTm(slow) (gammaTm, TPM3). In an in-vitro model of alpha tropomyosin (TPM3)-related nemaline myopathy, mutant TPM3 was expressed and incorporated normally into striated muscle sarcomeres. Rod formation was seen only after active muscle contraction, suggesting that load-dependent processes are required for creation of nemaline bodies (75). In other studies, however, transfection of mutant TPM3 into myoblasts resulted in reduced incorporation into fibers and disruption of the filamentous actin network (45).

The level of betaTm, but not alphaTm(fast) protein, is reduced in human patients with mutations in alphaTm(slow) and in a transgenic mouse model of alphaTm(slow)(Met9Arg) nemaline myopathy; the onset of alphaTm(slow)(Met9Arg) expression coincides with the decline of betaTm. Reduction of betaTm levels is independent of the degree of pathology (rods) within the muscle and is detected before the onset of muscle weakness. Alpha-tropomyosin(slow) dimers, composed of equal ratios of wild-type and M9R-alpha-tropomyosin(slow), are the dominant tropomyosin species in TPM3 nemaline myopathy. Myopathy-related slow-fiber predominance contributes to the severity of weakness in TPM3 nemaline myopathy because of increased proportions of fibers that express the mutant protein (45). The alphaTm(slow)(Met9Arg) mutation also acts to reduce the formation of the preferred alpha/beta heterodimer. This may alter sarcomeric thin filament dynamics, causing muscle weakness in nemaline myopathy (19). Developmental expression studies show that alpha-tropomyosin(slow) is not expressed at significant levels until after birth. This likely explains the later onset of TPM3 nemaline myopathy (45).

Nemaline myopathy related to troponin T1 deficiency is associated with complete loss of slow skeletal muscle troponin T, selective atrophy of type 1 fibers, and relative insensitivity to calcium (48). The nonsense mutation at codon Glu180 in this disorder causes production of a truncated troponin T protein, which has a decreased affinity for binding to tropomyosin because of loss of one of two tropomyosin binding sites. This truncated slow troponin T protein is rapidly degraded (148).

The giant nebulin gene comprises 183 exons and contains four regions with alternatively spliced exons, giving rise to several different transcripts that vary among muscle types and among muscles of different developmental stages. Nebulin knockout mice have shortened thin filaments with abnormally wide Z-discs, resulting in decreased contractility (149). Extensive alternative splicing of NEB may explain why patients with nemaline myopathy and homozygous truncating mutations show expression of the carboxy-terminus of the nebulin protein, contrary to expectation, and may explain why severe phenotypes are rare among patients with two truncating mutations (26). Nebulin mutations are located through constitutively and alternatively expressed exons throughout the NEB gene, with no obvious mutational hotspots (70). Cofilin-2 is a small actin-binding protein predominantly expressed at sarcomeres. Its role in muscle development and function is unclear, but preservation of sarcomeric integrity may be contingent on developmentally specific expression of cofilin isoforms (01; 02).

Nemaline myopathy (photomicrograph) (1)

Transverse frozen sections of a vastus lateralis muscle biopsy of a child with nemaline myopathy. Hematoxylin-eosin stain fails to demonstrate the rod-shaped structures or any specific myopathic features (left). Modified Gomori tr...
Nemaline myopathy (photomicrograph) (2)

Longitudinal paraffin-embedded sections of vastus lateralis muscle of a child with nemaline myopathy. Hematoxylin-eosin (not shown) and Gomori trichrome (not shown) did not demonstrate nemaline rods, but they are clearly seen on f...
Nemaline myopathy (electron micrograph)

A longitudinal section of normal muscle fiber, with intact sarcomeric structure, is flanked by one showing myofibrillar disruption and aggregates of material. These aggregates have the same electron density and periodicity as Z-ba...

Other proteins of the sarcolemmal cytoskeleton have also been studied in nemaline myopathy. Rods do not contain titin (116) or nebulin. Desmin is increased in fibers containing rods (132; 110) and accumulates at the periphery of rods in some patients (116). Sarcolemmal dystrophin is normal in nemaline myopathy, but spectrin studies may be abnormal in severe cases (115).

Desmin immunoreactivity (photomicrograph)

Desmin immunoreactivity is seen focally in the regions of rod accumulation within myofibrils and also in perinuclear zones. It may be demonstrated in either frozen or paraffin sections. (x400) (Contributed by Dr. Susan Iannaccone....

Increased expression of cardiac ankyrin repeat protein, a nuclear protein that may function as a negative regulator of cardiac-specific gene protein, has been identified in nemaline myopathy, a finding that is of unclear significance but may reflect persistent expression or upregulation of fetal muscle proteins (104). In actin nemaline myopathy, upregulation of a fetal cardiac actin isoform may ameliorate muscle weakness (92). Developmental regulation of muscle protein expression may affect presentation of different forms of nemaline myopathy (48; 92; 02).

On immunocytochemical examination, nemaline bodies consist primarily of alpha-actinin (49) and have structural similarity to the Z-lines of muscle sarcomeres. Antibodies to alpha-actinin 2 (ACTN2) and alpha-actinin 3 (ACTN3) stain Z-lines and rods in skeletal muscle. Rod composition is usually fiber-type dependent, with alpha-actinin 2 being present in rods in all fibers, whereas alpha-actinin 3 is present only in rods in type 2 muscle fibers (90), but this is not absolute. In some cases, alpha-actinin isoforms within rods do not conform to fiber-type specific proteins expressed in other parts of the myofibril, suggesting the possibility of fiber-type conversion. This is supported by the finding, in some muscle fibers, of coexpression of fast and slow myosin isoforms (115; 104). Immunocytochemical studies also demonstrate myotilin immunoreactivity in rods of slow and fast twitch fibers (113).

Gene expression studies in nemaline myopathy have identified downregulation of transcripts of enzymes of glucose and glycogen metabolism, altered transcription of genes involved in calcium homeostasis, and increased expression of structural proteins involved in muscle fibrosis (109). The significance of these changes, which occur downstream from the primary molecular abnormalities of nemaline myopathy, is unclear at this time.

Respiratory chain enzyme analysis has shown complex 1 deficiency in cases of nemaline myopathy related both to nebulin and actin mutations (66; 142).

The cellular mechanism underlying loss of muscle strength in nemaline myopathy is poorly understood. Weakness may be due to myocyte loss, abnormal fiber-typing, or myocyte immaturity. Sarcomeric disorganization, with an excess of thin filaments, is common in congenital nemaline myopathy (33; 44; 104) and may become more marked on serial biopsies (145; 104). Sarcomeric disarray may result from altered interaction of mutated thin filaments with Z-line proteins such as alpha-actinin or tropomodulin, resulting in formation of nemaline bodies and loss of contractility (81; 46; 01; 45). Alternatively, weakness may result from desensitization of calcium-activated muscle contraction, or temporal alterations in the contraction-relaxation cycle of skeletal muscles, resulting in altered regulation of force production (75; 76). In actin nemaline myopathy, weakness may be partially compensated by upregulation of alpha-cardiac actin, the skeletal muscle fetal actin isoform (92).

Type 1 fiber predominance in nemaline myopathy may be due to abnormalities of fiber type maturation, active conversion of type 2 to type 1 fibers, or a combination of these processes (138; 121). An increase in slow oxidative fibers may occur as a means of preserving muscle strength, oxidative metabolism being more energy efficient (128). In a mouse model of alpha-tropomyosin deficiency, exercise does not appear to worsen the pathologic phenotype of nemaline myopathy, but it does alter fiber-type conversion in a muscle- and fiber-type specific manner (85). A minority of patients with nemaline myopathy have no alteration of fiber typing or fiber size variation on biopsy (145). This pathological heterogeneity may reflect variable pathogenesis of rod formation in different genetic subtypes of nemaline myopathy. Rod composition and actin dynamics differ in genetic and secondary forms of nemaline myopathy, suggesting that rod formation represents a common morphological endpoint of a variety of different pathological processes (135).

Diagnostic workup

Muscle enzymes are usually normal in nemaline myopathy but may be mildly elevated. Electromyography may show normal motor unit potentials or small, short-duration action potentials consistent with a myopathic process (140; 105). Nerve conduction studies are usually normal.

Diagnosis depends on the finding of nemaline rods on muscle biopsy. Nemaline bodies are best seen with the modified Gomori trichrome stain of fresh frozen sections; they look dark purple and granular under the light microscope.

Nemaline myopathy (photomicrograph) (3)

A muscle biopsy showing the typical appearance of rod bodies on light microscopy (modified Gomori trichrome stain; x400). (Contributed by Dr. Susan Iannaccone.)

Rods are most frequently located in the subsarcolemmal region. Rod number varies widely between patients, between different muscles in a single patient, and even between different parts of a muscle (87; 119). The number and distribution of nemaline bodies do not tend to correlate with age of presentation or clinical severity of nemaline myopathy (121; 104). In most patients, numerous rods are seen in most or all extrafusal muscle fibers (119), but in some cases they are apparent only in type 1 fibers. Intrafusal fibers do not contain rods (122). On electron microscopy, rods are often associated with marked sarcomeric disorganization and loss of normal sarcomeric registration (44; 104). Not infrequently, however, areas of complete sarcomeric disarray will abut relatively normal sarcomeres, a phenomenon that remains poorly understood. Numerous nemaline bodies, glycogen accumulation, and marked sarcomeric disruption are more common in nemaline myopathy associated with mutations in skeletal alpha-actin, whereas nemaline myopathy due to mutations in alpha-tropomyosin may be characterized by preferential rod formation in, and atrophy of, type 1 fibers (104).

In most patients nemaline bodies are confined to the sarcoplasm. Rods are occasionally also seen in sarcomeric nuclei. The presence of intranuclear rods appears to correlate with poor prognosis: they have been seen both in cases of severe neonatal nemaline myopathy (102; 08; 34) and in a minority of progressive adult cases (27; 94). Intranuclear rods may be more common in actin nemaline myopathy (144; 58).

Predominance of type 1 fibers is common in nemaline myopathy, often with a decrease in type 1 fiber diameter (32; 77). Internal nuclei are common, and fiber splitting is occasionally seen. These changes tend to progress with age. Inflammatory changes are not characteristic of nemaline myopathy, but occasional necrotic or regenerating fibers may be seen in patients with progressive adult-onset disease and reactivity for MHCI by immunohistochemistry can be seen in fibers with rods as well as adjacent nonatrophic fibers (83). Acid phosphatase activity is also increased in patients with rapid progression (89; 11). Progressive muscle fibrosis may be seen on serial muscle biopsies (145; 104).

Nemaline myopathy with fiber-type disproportion (photomicrograph)

Most cases of nemaline myopathy are accompanied by muscle fiber-type disproportion, in which histochemical type I myofibers (light) are more numerous and uniformly smaller than those of type II. Some cases show apparently complete...

Nemaline bodies are not pathognomonic of nemaline myopathy. Nemaline bodies have been reported in normal human extraocular muscle (82; 71), with aging, and after tenotomy and radiotherapy. Rod formation can represent a nonspecific response to muscle damage. Nemaline bodies have been reported in a number of neuromuscular and unrelated conditions, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, polymyositis, oculopharyngeal and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, chorea-acanthocytosis, neurosarcoidosis, and diploid/triploid mosaicism (123; 40; 66; 131; 118). Nemaline bodies were identified in the muscle of a child with Timothy syndrome, a multisystem disorder with congenital heart disease, immune deficiency, intermittent hypoglycemia, cognitive abnormalities, and autism. Timothy syndrome is due to a mutation in a cardiac L-type calcium channel (125).

Ultrastructural changes suggestive of other congenital myopathies, such as cores, minicores, caps, or zebra bodies are commonly seen in patients with nemaline myopathy (54; 114; 20; 130; 01; 92). Nemaline myopathy has also been associated with congenital fiber-type disproportion (32; 77) and cap disease (130). Mutations in both actin and tropomyosin have been identified in patients with fiber-type disproportion without rod formation, expanding the clinical spectrum of myopathies associated with the genes (61; 16).

The diagnosis of nemaline myopathy is, therefore, not justified in the absence of a typical clinical picture. It may be that, in the congenital myopathies, common secondary changes in muscle develop in response to varied primary insults.

Other investigations to consider in patients with nemaline myopathy include electrocardiography and echocardiography to exclude the possibility of an associated cardiomyopathy. Pulmonary function tests identify subclinical respiratory disease and those at risk of acute decompensation with anesthesia or pneumonia. Sleep studies identify patients with nocturnal carbon dioxide retention and hypoventilation. Chronic pulmonary insufficiency may cause development of cor pulmonale (42). Serial testing of cardiac and pulmonary function is indicated, as there may be deterioration with increasing age.

Muscle MRI may have a place in diagnosis of nemaline myopathy and may help direct genetic testing. A report showed characteristic patterns of muscle MRI abnormally in patients with NEB, ACTA1, and TPM3-related nemaline myopathy (98). In another study, patients with alpha-actin mutations had diffuse involvement of thigh and leg muscles, with relative sparing of the gastrocnemii, whereas nebulin nemaline myopathy was associated with selective involvement of the tibialis anterior and soleus; the thigh muscles showed changes only in nonambulant patients (52). Whether these patterns prove predictive in patients with an unknown genotype or just reflect disease severity remains to be seen.

Management

Supportive therapy. No therapies can at this time alter the essential nature or clinical progression of the congenital myopathies. Treatment is, therefore, aimed at early diagnosis, maintenance of function, and treatment of complications. Standards of care for congenital myopathy are now available and should guide clinical management (147). Respiratory disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in nemaline myopathy. In neonatal cases, supportive therapy can be offered in the form of mechanical ventilation, but patients requiring respiratory support at this age have a poor prognosis (105). Long-term assisted ventilation has been undertaken in a small number of older patients with nemaline myopathy (120). Noninvasive nocturnal ventilation is an important therapeutic option in older patients with chronic respiratory failure and cor pulmonale. The onset of respiratory failure may be insidious (124), with rapid decompensation in respiratory and cardiac function with intercurrent respiratory tract infections. In some cases, brief periods of assisted ventilation during acute respiratory illnesses may prolong survival (111), although recovery to a point where ventilatory assistance can be withdrawn can be difficult to predict. Pulmonary infections should be treated promptly with chest physiotherapy and antibiotics. Immunizations, including those against pneumococcus and influenza, may help to minimize the incidence of pneumonia.

Bulbar dysfunction is common in nemaline myopathy and often causes aspiration of oral secretions. Evaluation of adequacy of the swallow should be a part of the initial assessment and should be reviewed if symptoms referable to aspiration are identified. Nutritional support is especially important in those with impaired bulbar function. Failure to thrive may be related both to poor intake and to the increased metabolic demands imposed by recurrent aspiration pneumonitis. Malnutrition has been implicated as a cause of significant morbidity in younger patients with nemaline myopathy (91). Nasogastric tube feedings or placement of a gastrostomy may be necessary to maintain nutrition in infants. Accelerated weight gain and improvement of respiratory function may follow gastrostomy with or without fundoplication (10).

Symptomatic cardiac involvement is uncommon in nemaline myopathy, but echocardiography is useful in identification of incipient cor pulmonale and prompt introduction of assisted ventilation. The QT interval should be assessed in children with nemaline myopathy and dysmorphic or autistic features to exclude the Timothy syndrome (125).

Physical therapy for nemaline myopathy should include daily passive range of motion exercises to prevent contracture formation. Exercise does not appear to worsen the pathologic phenotype of nemaline myopathy, but changes in muscle morphology after exercise are influenced by the causative mutation (85). Patients should be mobilized as soon as possible after surgery, as prolonged immobility may significantly exacerbate muscle weakness (105). One published murine study suggests that immobility may be associated with the reversible formation of additional nemaline bodies in muscle (51). Orthopedic intervention may be required in patients with congenital and acquired contractures, pathological fractures secondary to disuse osteopenia, and scoliosis. The timing of procedures is crucial in determining their efficacy and safety. Prior to any anesthesia or sedation, all patients should undergo a thorough preoperative assessment with consideration of potential anesthetic difficulties and respiratory reserve.

Drug therapy. L-tyrosine, a precursor of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, improved bulbar function and exercise tolerance in a small number of children with nemaline myopathy (106); however, the benefit was not apparent in subsequent murine and zebrafish models of nemaline myopathy (74; 129).

There is an array of early clinical and preclinical therapies being evaluated (31); however, treatment at this time remains supportive.

Sporadic late-onset nemaline myopathy first-line treatment consists of IVIg (84). Daratumumab (112), rituximab, methotrexate, and other agents generally considered to be cancer therapies have been used with varying levels of success, though the role of chemotherapy in this condition is currently controversial. Autologous stem cell transplant with or without chemotherapy in the setting of monoclonal gammopathy has also been recommended by several authors (86).

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References

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Contributors

All contributors' financial relationships have been reviewed and mitigated to ensure that this and every other article is free from commercial bias.

Author

Jean K Mah MD

Dr. Mah of the University of Calgary has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
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Editor

Harvey B Sarnat MD FRCPC MS

Dr. Sarnat of the University of Calgary has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
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Former Authors

Monique M Ryan MD
Susan T Iannaccone MD FAAN
Jennifer Baccon MD PhD MHCM
Yelena Wilson DO

Patient Profile

Age range of presentation: 0 month to 65+ years
Sex preponderance: male=female
Heredity: heredity may be a factor

heredity typical

autosomal dominant

autosomal recessive
Population groups selectively affected: none selectively affected
Occupation groups selectively affected: none selectively affected

ICD & OMIM codes

ICD-10: Myopathy, nemaline: G71.2
ICD-11: Nemaline myopathy: 8C72.00
OMIM: Nemaline myopathy 3: #161800

Nemaline myopathy 2: #256030

Amish nemaline myopathy: #605355

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Nemaline myopathy

Differential Diagnosis

Prader-Willi syndrome
myotubular myopathy
Pompe disease
congenital myasthenic syndromes
transient neonatal myasthenia gravis
- spinal muscular atrophy
- congenital hypomyelinating neuropathies

Also Relevant

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Neuromuscular pathology: overview

Clinical Categories

Patient Handouts

Congenital myopathy

Web References

Guidelines

AAN: Neuromuscular guidelines

	• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in sporadic late-onset nemaline myopathy
	• Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in sporadic late-onset nemaline myopathy autoimmune disease in sporadic late-onset nemaline myopathy

Nemaline myopathy

Cite this article

Introduction

Overview

Key points

Historical note and terminology

Clinical manifestations

Presentation and course

Prognosis and complications

Clinical vignette

Biological basis

Etiology and pathogenesis

Epidemiology

Prevention

Differential diagnosis

Confusing conditions

Associated or underlying disorders

Diagnostic workup

Management

Special considerations

Pregnancy

Anesthesia

Media

References

Contributors

Author

Editor

Former Authors

Patient Profile

ICD & OMIM codes

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