The spectrum of disease in weakness and wasting of the quadriceps muscles : case reports

: Three patients who presented with weakness and wasting of the quadriceps muscles ('quadriceps myopathy'), are reported. In each, electrophysiological and biopsy studies revealed completely different pathological processes, including motor unit disease, polymyositis and muscular dystrophy. Double biopsies performed in 2 of the patients showed the disease process to involve upper as well as lower limbs. The diffuse and heterogeneous nature of this form of neuromuscular disease is confirmed.