myopathy /mī·op″əthē/ [Gk, mys + pathos, disease] , an abnormal condition of skeletal muscle characterized by muscle weakness, wasting, and histological changes within muscle tissue, as seen in any of the muscular dystrophies. A myopathy is distinct from a muscle disorder caused by nerve dysfunction. The specific diagnosis is made by using tests of serum enzyme levels, electromyography, and muscle biopsy. See also muscular dystrophy. −myopathic, adj.
