Which symptom is specifically associated with Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy?

Ptosis is a hallmark symptom specifically associated with Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD). This condition primarily affects the muscles controlling the eyes and throat, leading to the characteristic drooping of the eyelids known as ptosis. In individuals with OPMD, this symptom often presents early in the disease and can significantly impact vision and overall quality of life.

The connection between OPMD and ptosis can be understood through the pathology of the disorder, which involves the progressive weakness of the eyelid muscles due to the accumulation of abnormal protein aggregates. As a result, individuals may experience difficulty with eyelid elevation, leading to the classic appearance of ptosis.

The other symptoms listed are associated with different neuromuscular conditions. Gower sign, for instance, is related to proximal muscle weakness seen in conditions like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, while chorea is a movement disorder found in conditions such as Huntington's disease. Cardiac issues are also not a defining characteristic of OPMD but are more commonly associated with other types of muscular dystrophies or related neuromuscular diseases. Therefore, ptosis stands out as the distinctive symptom of OPMD.