Diagnosis of occult muscular dystrophy: importance of the "chance" finding of elevated serum aminotransferase activities.

We report our experience with four children, including one girl, in whom the eventual diagnosis of muscular dystrophy was made because of persistent, unexplained elevated serum aminotransferase values. Measurement of serum creatine kinase activity and careful physical examination are the most useful and cost-effective means of correctly identifying these patients.