Which finding is characteristic of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in childhood?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Calf pseudohypertrophy
• C. Hyperreflexia of the arms
• D. Ankle reflex hyperactivity

Answer: (B)

Calf pseudohypertrophy is a hallmark of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in childhood. The calves enlarge because fat and fibrous tissue gradually replace degenerated muscle fibers, so the legs look bigger even though the muscles are actually weakening. This striking change is classic and helps distinguish DMD from other conditions.

Hyperkalemia isn’t a typical feature of this dystrophy and would point toward different processes like muscle breakdown or renal issues. Likewise, the reflexes in Duchenne are usually diminished or normal due to muscle weakness, not hyperactive, because the problem is within the muscle itself, not the upper motor neuron pathways. So the largest, most characteristic finding you’d expect to see in a child with DMD is the calf pseudohypertrophy.