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Myopathy Causes and Risk Factors

Inheritable myopathies are caused by a genetic defect. The most common muscular dystrophies, Duchenne MD and Becker MD, result from a genetic defect on the X chromosome.

Risk factors for other types of myopathy include the following:

• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis, scleroderma, thyroiditis)
• Endocrine disorders (e.g., Cushing syndrome, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Addison disease)
• Exposure to toxins (e.g., herbicides, insecticides, flame retardant chemicals)
• Infection (e.g., HIV, Lyme disease, trichinosis)
• Vitamin D deficiency, vitamin E or A toxicity
• Medication (e.g., some antihistamines, long-term corticosteroid use)
• Metabolic disorder (e.g., glycogen and lipid storage diseases)

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