线粒体脑肌病伴高乳酸血症和脑卒中样发作综合征一家系临床特征及线粒体基因A3243G位点点突变异质性水平

目的 调查1个疑似患有母系遗传性线粒体脑肌病伴高乳酸血症和脑卒中样发作(MELAS)综合征家系的临床表现、生物化学检测数据和影像学资料,并探索其与血细胞线粒体基因突变异质性水平的关联性.方法 收集先证者和11位其母系家系成员的一般情况、抽搐及脑卒中样发作等病史,检测家系成员的血常规和运动前后血浆乳酸水平等生化指标,并做头颅磁共振检查.用聚合酶链反应(PCR)-限制性内切酶片段长度多态和DNA测序法检测其成员是否存在线粒体基因组A3243G点突变,并用荧光实时定量PCR定量该突变的水平.结果 该家系部分成员存在抽搐、脑卒中样发作和高乳酸血症等MELAS综合征典型症状,以及身材矮小、运动不耐受和发热、偏头痛等非典型症状.发作期头颅磁共振成像符合MELAS综合征的典型特点,且普遍存在小脑萎缩.母系亲属均存在线粒体基因的A3243G位点点突变,突变异质性水平越高,症状越典型且严重.结论 该调查家系确诊母系遗传性MELAS综合征,其致病基因为线粒体A3243G点突变.外周血血细胞线粒体基因突变异质性水平与亲缘关系、抽搐早现性和血乳酸值等临床表型存在相关性.     

MELAS型线粒体脑肌病的临床、影像学和肌肉病理分析

目的 探讨MELAS型线粒体脑肌病的临床表现、影像学特点和肌肉组织病理学改变,提高人们对本病的认识.方法 回顾性分析5例MELAS型线粒体脑肌病的临床表现、脑影像学改变(MRI和CT),以及骨骼肌活检的组织病理学特点.结果 MELAS型线粒体脑肌病的主要临床表现为局灶性或全身性癫NFDCC发作、听觉和视觉障碍、运动不能耐受、认知功能障碍、脑卒中样发作、血乳酸水平升高等.脑影像学检查可见病灶多位于颞、枕、顶叶皮层脑回处,脑MRI表现为长T1、长T2信号,部分患者头颅CT可见基底节钙化.骨骼肌活检5例患者肌肉组织中均可见破碎红边纤维(RRF),2例行电镜检查均可见异常线粒体聚集.结论 MELAS型线粒体脑肌病是一种以高乳酸血症和卒中样发作为特征的脑和肌肉能量代谢障碍综合征.患者临床表现复杂多样,容易造成误诊,其诊断需在临床表现和影像学特点的基础上,结合骨骼肌活检病理检查发现RRF或异常线粒体聚集,可获得临床确诊.     

以乳酸血症和脑卒中样发作为主要临床表现的线粒体脑肌病

目的：报告线粒体脑肌病伴高乳酸血症和腩卒中样发作（MELAS）病1例,进行相关文献复习并探讨其临床表现、影像学和组织病理学特征。方法：对线粒体脑肌病MELAS患者的临床表现、影像学、组织病理学、免疫组化结果、辅助检查等情况进行分析,同时参考国内外文献对该病的报道。结果：MELAS的主要临床表现为发作性头痛和呕吐、全身性癫痫、精神障碍、脑卒中样发作、血乳酸增高;肌电图示神经源性改变;脑MRI示病灶多位于顶、枕、颞脑回处;肌肉活检见破碎样红纤维和异常线粒体,符合线粒体脑肌病MELAS的特征。结论：线粒体脑肌病MELAS的诊断主要根据临床表现和影像学特点,肌肉活检可确诊。     

线粒体脑肌病伴有高乳酸血症和卒中样发作综合征的临床及基因突变分析

目的 探讨线粒体脑肌病伴有高乳酸血症和卒中样发作综合征(MELAS)的临床及基因突变特征. 方法 对1例MELAS患者的临床表现、影像学、肌肉病理特点进行分析,并用PCR-RFLP结合基因测序方法进行线粒体基因突变分析. 结果 患者主要临床表现为发作性头痛和呕吐、反复卒中样发作、癫痫、运动不耐受、身材矮小、神经性耳聋、乳酸水平升高等.脑CT见双侧基底节多个钙化灶,MRI见枕叶异常信号,1H-MRS见T2WI异常信号区域有明显的乳酸峰,在T2正常信号区域也有小的乳酸峰.光镜及电镜肌肉病理检查未见明显的线粒体异常,基因检测显示mtDNA A3243G杂合突变. 结论 MELAS的诊断必须结合临床表现、影像学、病理学和基因突变检测等结果进行综合分析,病理学检查阴性不能否定MELAS的诊断,诊断MELAS应常规进行mtDNA突变分析.     

线粒体脑肌病伴高乳酸血症和卒中样发作综合征的临床特点(附1例报告)

目的分析典型线粒体脑肌病伴高乳酸血症和卒中样发作(MELAS)综合征的临床特点。方法回顾性分析1例典型MELAS综合征的临床资料。结果本例患者以言语混乱、行为异常等卒中样症状发病,有母系家族史,病程中有头痛及癫痫样发作。入院查体示听力下降,视野缺损,肌力下降。头颅CT及MRI提示卒中样病灶,且病灶不按血管走行分布。血及CSF检查排除病毒性、自身免疫性脑炎,最终经基因检测分析(mt DNA的A3243G位点AG突变)明确诊断为MELAS综合征。结论 MELAS综合征临床表现主要包括卒中样发作、癫痫、头痛、痴呆、听力损伤、周围神经病变、肌病、乳酸血症、糖尿病等,影像学表现主要包括卒中样病灶、基底节钙化及脑萎缩。     

MELAS综合征的临床、影像学及病理研究

目的探讨线粒体脑肌病中MELAS综合征患者的临床表现、影像学、组织病理学特点及诊断方法。方法对5例MELAS综合征患者的临床、影像学及神经电生理、肌肉和脑组织病理学特点进行系统分析,3例行肌活检,其中1例患者行肌肉电镜检查;2例行脑活检。结果 MELAS综合征患者主要临床表现为运动不耐受、脑卒中发作、抽搐发作、偏盲、偏头痛发作、听力下降、视力下降。5例患者中血乳酸增高4例,肌电图提示肌源性损害4例,脑电图检查提示重度异常脑电图5例,头颅MRI检查主要为颞、枕、顶叶的不对称病灶;3例患者肌肉组织有破碎红纤维,1例行肌肉电镜检查发现异常线粒体,2例患者脑组织活检可见皮质组织成分层样改变。结论根据患者的临床及影像学特点,并结合肌肉及脑组织活检可对线粒体脑肌病MELAS综合征进行诊断。     

16例MELAS临床、神经影像与肌肉病理研究

目的探讨线粒体脑肌病并乳酸血症与卒中样发作(MELAS)的临床、影像学及肌肉病理特点。方法对16例MELAS患者的临床表现、影像学及肌肉病理特点进行分析。结果患者主要临床表现为卒中样癫发作(87.5%),其次为头痛、呕吐和智能减退等;头颅MRI提示脑实质片状异常信号,不按血管供应区分布;肌肉活检见破碎红纤维(RRF)。结论MELAS是一种具有特殊临床、影像学表现的线粒体脑肌病,其诊断依赖于肌肉活检病理和基因诊断。     

乳酸血症和脑卒中样发作为主要临床表现的线粒体脑肌病(附1例报道)

目的报道线粒体脑肌病伴高乳酸血症和脑卒中样发作(MELAS)病1例,进行相关文献复习,探讨其临床表现、生化、影像学和组织病理学检查在该疾病诊断中作用。方法对线粒体脑肌病伴高乳酸血症和脑卒中样发作(MELAS)患者的临床表现、辅助检查、影像学、组织病理学、免疫组化等情况进行分析。结果 MELAS患者的主要临床表现为发作性头痛、脑卒中样发作、高乳酸血症;脑MRI示病灶位于顶叶、枕叶、颞叶脑回处;肌肉活检见肌纤维变性、破碎样改变以及异常线粒体。结论血乳酸、影像学及肌肉活检在诊断MELAS时有重要的诊断价值,但都缺乏特异表现,需要结合临床和各种检查结果而确诊。     

MELAS综合征和Leigh病患者临床对比

目的对比研究和总结线粒体脑肌病伴乳酸血症和脑卒中样发作(mitochondrial encephalomyopathywith lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes,MELAS)综合征和Leigh病患者的临床、影像学以及病理学特点。方法对10例MELAS综合征、7例Leigh病和1例MELAS综合征-Leigh病叠加患者的临床、影像学及组织病理学特点进行系统分析。结果 10例MELAS综合征患者主要临床表现为运动不耐受、发作性头痛和脑卒中样发作,脑CT及MRI检查结果示病灶多位于枕、顶、颞叶皮质及皮质下,光镜下观察肌肉组织可见不整红边纤维(ragged red fiber,RRF),抗线粒体抗体(anti-mitochondrial antibody,AMA)免疫组化染色可见大量破碎样棕褐色肌纤维(ragged brown fibers,RBFs),3例MELAS综合征患者行脑活检可见棕色AMA阳性的小血管及神经细胞。7例Leigh病患者主要临床表现为眼外肌麻痹、视力下降、肌阵挛样发作及智力发育迟缓,头颅MRI检查结果示双侧底节区、脑干异常信号,肌肉活检未见RRF。4例MELAS综合征、4例Leigh病患者以及1例MELAS综合征-Leigh病叠加患者行MRS检查结果示病变区乳酸水平明显增高。结论 MELAS综合征和Leigh病的临床及影像学特点相比存在明显差别,前者脑部病灶以脑叶皮质及皮质下受累为主,同时表现为脑和肌肉受累症状,肌肉活检可发现RRF;Leigh病患者主要表现为脑干、基底节及视神经受累表现,肌肉活检未见RRF。     

线粒体脑肌病伴高乳酸血症和卒中样发作综合征的临床特点分析

目的探讨线粒体脑肌病伴高乳酸血症和卒中样发作(MELAS)综合征的临床、影像学、肌肉病理及分子生物学特点。方法回顾性分析6例MELAS患者的临床资料。结果首发症状表现为肢体抽搐4例,轻偏瘫1例,失语1例;其他症状包括发作性头痛和视力障碍。合并心脏功能异常2例,ECG提示预激综合征。6例患者行血乳酸运动试验,均为阳性。6例患者MRI检查显示大脑皮质和皮质下与血管分布不一致的长T_1、长T_2病灶。3例伴有脑萎缩,其中2例为小脑萎缩,1例为全脑萎缩。1例患者4个月后复查头颅MRI提示病灶完全消失。磁共振波谱可见病灶内多个体素的乳酸峰值升高,N-乙酰天冬氨酸值降低,乳酸/胆碱比降低。2例患者肌肉组织活检的病理均见到不同程度的萎缩肌纤维,未见到破碎红纤维。5例患者基因检测发现线粒体DNA(mtDNA)A3243G点突变,1例患者发现mtDNA T3271C点突变。结论 MELAS综合征临床表现复杂多样,以头痛、肢体抽搐及反复卒中样发作为突出特点。卒中样发作期影像学主要表现为脑内与供血区分布不一致的病灶;血乳酸运动试验阳性;典型肌肉病理检查MGT染色可见破碎红纤维;分子遗传学检查可发现基因突变。最终确诊有赖于基因检测。     

主要累及全脊髓和脑干的CLIPPERS一例

目的探讨类固醇激素反应性慢性淋巴细胞性炎性反应伴脑桥血管周围强化症(CLIPPERS)的临床表现、影像学及病理改变,探讨其可能的发病机制。方法对1例主要累及全脊髓及脑干的CLIPPERS患者临床资料及影像学进行分析,并结合文献复习此病的特征表现及鉴别诊断。结果本例男性29岁,进行性双下肢无力、共济失调2年、及伴腹部麻木1年余。头颅磁共振(MRI)增强扫描示脑干、全脊髓多发小斑片状异常强化信号,边界较清楚,呈"胡椒粉征"。病变分布较均匀,延髓及脊髓分布更密集。另外双侧丘脑、基底核、小脑半球见散在类似异常强化灶。软脑膜及软脊膜也可见多处轻度线样强化。经糖皮质激素治疗2个月后,患者临床症状明显减轻。复查MRI示上述异常强化灶大部分消失,残存病灶缩小且强化程度减轻,边界变模糊。影像学提示病变明显好转。结论在有些CLIPPERS患者,MRI的强化灶主要累及脑干、脊髓全长及软脑(脊)膜,不一定以脑桥为中心。CLIPPERS糖皮质激素治疗效果好。CLIPPERS的诊断应结合临床、影像学及实验室检查,必要时行脑组织活检。     

Phenotypic patterns of MELAS/LS overlap syndrome associated with m.13513G>A mutation,and neuropathological findings in one autopsy case

The 13513G>A mutation in the ND5 gene of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is usually associated with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactate acidosis and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS), or Leigh syndrome (LS). In this study, we describe three young Chinese patients with MELAS/LS overlap syndrome who carried the m.13513G>A mutation. Clinical and MRI features were characteristic of both MELAS and LS. Interestingly, the clinical presentation of this overlap syndrome could be variable depending on the degree of relative contribution of MELAS and LS, that is, MELAS as the initial presenting syndrome, LS as the predominant syndrome, or both MELAS and LS appearing at the same time. The final brain MRI showed findings characteristic of both MELAS and LS, with asymmetrical lesions in the cortex and subcortical white matter of the occipital, temporal, and frontal lobes (MELAS), and bilateral and symmetrical lesions in the basal ganglia and brainstem (LS). Brain autopsy in one case revealed infarct‐like lesions in the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia and brainstem, providing further insight into the distribution of the pathological lesions in MELAS/LS overlap syndrome. This is the first report of the brain pathological changes in a patient with m.13513G>A mutation. The spatial distribution of infarct‐like lesions in the brain could explain the symptoms in MELAS/LS overlap syndrome.     

Mitochondrial dementia: a sporadic case of progressive cognitive and behavioral decline with hearing loss due to the rare m.3291T>C MELAS mutation

We report the case of a 23-year-old Italian female harboring the rare m.3291T>C mutation in the MT-TL1 gene, that encodes the mitochondrial transfer RNA for leucine 1 (UUA/G). MT-TL1 mutations usually cause the MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes) syndrome. Our patient, however, suffered from a non-syndromic mitochondrial disorder (MID), clinically characterized by progressive cognitive and behavioral decline, and hearing loss; brain MRI disclosed diffuse supratentorial and infratentorial atrophy; EKG revealed a Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome; combined neuroleptic and antidepressant treatment markedly improved her behavioral symptoms. This case expands the clinical spectrum of non-syndromic MIDs, and further confirms that no obvious genotype-phenotype correlation exists for the m.3291T>C DNA mutation; indeed, this mutation has been previously reported in a Japanese child, who suffered from MELAS, and in an Italian child, who presented an apparently isolated mild myopathy. Moreover, it supports the hypothesis that at least in MT-TL1-related MIDs, dementia may be caused by a progressive neurodegenerative process, rather than by injury accumulation due to stroke-like episodes. Finally, our case suggests that common neuroleptic and antidepressant drugs may be clinically efficacious in the management of psychiatric symptoms associated with MIDs.     

线粒体基因G13513A突变导致的线粒体脑肌病六例临床表型分析

目的 报告6例mtDNA G13513A点突变引起的线粒体脑肌病患者的临床、影像学特点,总结mtDNA G13513A突变所致的线粒体病的临床表型.方法 对35例mtDNA常见突变(包括大片段缺失及A3243G、T3271C、A8344G、T8993G/C点突变)检查为阴性的线粒体脑肌病患者,用线粒体DNA全长测序和(或)聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态法检测mtDNA G13513A点突变,分析阳性患者的临床特点,复习文献报道的mtDNA G13513A所致线粒体病的病例.结果 35例患者中有6例存在mtDNA G13513A突变.该6例患者均出现偏盲、轻偏瘫或偏身感觉障碍等卒中样发作表现,其中3例成人发病者以卒中样发作为主要症状,伴随癫痫、头痛、身材矮小、神经性耳聋等,头颅MRI显示以顶-枕-颢叶受累为主的大片病灶,符合成人型线粒体脑肌病伴高乳酸血症和卒中样发作(MELAS)的临床和影像学特点;3例青少年发病者除卒中样发作外,还有构音障碍、共济失调、眼外肌瘫痪等脑干受累的症状,MRI检查可见枕-颞叶大脑皮质非对称性病灶,以及双侧基底节和脑干的对称性病灶,符合青少年型MELAS-Leigh叠加综合征的临床和影像学特点.肌肉病理检查在5例患者发现不整红边纤维.经复习文献,发现mtDNA G13513A突变患者还存在婴幼儿型Leigh或Leigh样综合征表型.结论 mtDNA G13513A点突变是线粒体脑肌病较常见的致病性突变,主要导致Leigh综合征、MELAS-Leigh叠加综合征或MELAS综合征,其临床表型具有年龄依赖性.

Abstract：

Objective To report 6 Chinese patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy caused by mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)G13513A mutation and discuss the mitochondrial phenotype associated with this mutation based on the data of our patient series as well as the reports by others.Methods Direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction(PCR)products or PCR-RFLP analysis Was performed to screen mtDNA G13513A mutation in 35 cases with mitoehondrial encephalomyopathy.who carried no mtDNA common mutations(1arge 8eale deletion,A3243G,T3271 C,A8344G,or T8993G/C).The clinical features,MRI changes were retrospectively collected and analyzed.Published studies of all patients with mtDNA G13513A mutation were also reviewed.Results Six patients were identified carrying mtDNA G13513A mutation.All patients presented stroke-like episodes with hemianopsia.hemiparesis or hemiparesthesia.Three adult patients presented clinical and radiological features of adult-onset mitochondrial myopathy,encephalopathy,lactic acidosis,and stroke-like episodes(MELAS),including stroke-like episodes,epilepsy,headache,short stature,sensorineural deafness,multifocal lesions on parietal,occipital and temporal lobes on cranial MRI scans.Three iuvenile.onset patients presented the clinical and brain MRI features of MELAS-Leigh syndrome(LS)overlap syndrome.In addition to the stroke-like episodes,they also showed brain stem lesions with dysarthria,ataxia,and ophthalmopJegia. Brain MRI revealed asymmetrical lesions in the cortex of the oecipital and temporal lobes,as well as symmetrical lesions in the bilateral basal ganglia and brainstem.Muslce biopsy showed ragged redfibem in 5 patients.The infant-onset LS or Leigh-like syndrome with mtDNA G135 13A was described in the English literature.Conclusions mtDNA G13513A mutation is a common pathogenic mutmion for mitochondrial encephalomyopathy,which can result in Leigh syndrome,MELAS-LS overlap syndrome and adult MELAS.The onset of various phenotypes is relatively age-dependent.     

The A to G transition at nt 3243 of the mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) may cause an MERRF syndrome.

OBJECTIVE--To verify the phenotype to genotype correlations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) related disorders in an atypical maternally inherited encephalomyopathy. METHODS--Neuroradiological, morphological, biochemical, and molecular genetic analyses were performed on the affected members of a pedigree harbouring the heteroplasmic A to G transition at nucleotide 3243 of the mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR), which is usually associated with the syndrome of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS). RESULTS--The proband was affected by a fullblown syndrome of myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibres (MERRF), severe brain atrophy, and basal ganglia calcifications, without the MRI T2 hyperintense focal lesions which are pathognomonic of MELAS. Oligosymptomatic relatives were variably affected by lipomas, goitre, brain atrophy, and basal ganglia calcifications. Muscle biopsies in the proband and his mother showed a MELAS-like pattern with cytochrome c oxidase hyperreactive ragged red fibres and strongly succinate dehydrogenase reactive vessels. Quantification of the A3243G mutation disclosed 78% and 70% of mutated mtDNA in the muscle of the severely affected proband and of his oligosymptomatic mother respectively. Nucleotide sequencing of the mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) and tRNALys in the proband's muscle failed to show any additional nucleotide change which could account for the clinical oddity of this pedigree by modulating the expression of the primary pathogenic mutation. CONCLUSION--So far, MERRF has been associated with mutations of the mitochondrial tRNALys, and MELAS with mutations of the mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR). Now MERRF may also be considered among the clinical syndromes associated with the A to G transition at nt 3243 of the tRNALeu(UUR).     

Is the mitochondrial complex I ND5 gene a hot‐spot for MELAS causing mutations?

We identified two novel heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA point mutations in the gene encoding the ND5 subunit of complex I: a 12770A-->G transition identified in a patient with MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes) and a 13045A-->C transversion in a patient with a MELAS/Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy/Leigh's overlap syndrome. Biochemical analysis of muscle homogenates showed normal or very mildly reduced complex I activity. Histochemistry was normal. Our observations add to the evidence that mitochondrial ND5 protein coding gene mutations frequently associate with the MELAS phenotype, and it highlights the role of complex I dysfunction in MELAS.     

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes correlates with heteroplasmic mutations of mitochondrial DNA 3243 A single-case genealogy analysis

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a common syndrome of mitochondrial diseases caused primarily by a mutation from adenine to guanine at mitochondrial DNA 3243. However, the correlation between heteroplasmic mutations and clinical characteristics of hereditary MELAS syndrome is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To survey the clinical behaviors, biochemical outcomes, and imaging data in a patient with suspected MELAS syndrome by maternal inheritance, and to investigate the correlation with heteroplasmic mutations of hemocyte mitochondrial DNA. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A case analysis based on hereditary family surgery was performed in the Enliang Hospital of Anshan, Taian County, and biochemical tests and gene diagnosis were erformed at the Department of Laboratory and Institute of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, between March and September 2009. ARTICIPANTS: A 22-year-old female patient with MELAS syndrome was diagnosed in the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University in January, 2009. She had five males and seven females in her maternal family. METHODS: We obtained stroke and convulsion history in the patient and her family, as well as erforming routine blood tests, plasma lactic acid levels before and after movement, and magnetic resonance of the head. A mutation at m.3243A > G was verified using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing, and quantitated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Correlation of clinical behaviors and biochemical outcomes, as well as imaging data with heteroplasmic mutations in family members with typical and atypical MELAS syndrome. RESULTS: Some family members had typical symptoms of convulsion, stroke, and MELAS syndrome, as well as atypical symptoms of microsomia, movement intolerance, febrile, and migraine. Magnetic resonance of the head was consistent with typical imaging data of MELAS syndrome during attacks, and family members showed cerebellar atrophy. A heteroplasmic mutation of mitochondrial DNA 3243 occurred in all family members, although higher levels caused severe typical symptoms. The age of first-onset convulsion was negatively correlated with level of heteroplasmic mutation (r= -0.852, P< 0.05), but lactic acid was positively correlated with mutation levels (before movement, r= 0.945, P< 0.001; after movement, r= 0.945, P< 0.001). CONCLUSION: MELAS syndrome was diagnosed in this family by maternal inheritance, and the etiological factor was a mutation of mitochondrial A3243G. The level of heteroplasmic mutation correlated with anticipated convulsion and lactic acid levels.     

Transition from Leigh syndrome to MELAS syndrome in a patient with heteroplasmic MT-ND3 m.10158T>C

An m.10158T>C mutation in MT-ND3, encoding a subunit of respiratory complex I, causes early-onset Leigh syndrome (LS), mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acid and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome, and LS and MELAS overlapping syndrome, presumably dependent on the ratio of heteroplasmy. Herein, we report a 4-year-old girl with heteroplasmic m.10158T>C mutation, showing an evolving age-dependent phenotype from LS to MELAS syndromes. She showed mild developmental delay during infancy, which was associated with magnetic resonance imaging lesions in the brain stem and basal ganglia. At the age of 4 years, she developed rapid neurological deterioration and intractable seizures, which was associated with recurrent multiple cerebral lesions as well as basal ganglia lesions. Her cerebral lesions were located predominantly in white matter and appeared at multiple areas simultaneously, unique characteristics that are distinct from typical MELAS. Two patients with LS-MELAS overlapping syndrome with m.10158T>C have been previously reported, however, this is the first patient with m.10158T>C showing significant age-dependent changes in clinical features and neuro-images, implying an age-dependent role of complex I in the developing brain.     

Mitochondrial function and mitochondrial DNA in a series of 64 patients suspected of having mitochondrial myopathy

Biochemical results concerning 64 patients suspected of mitochondrial myopathies are presented. Four clinical groups were studied including 21 encephalomyopathies, 42 ocular myopathies, 8 isolated myopathies and 3 cardiomyopathies. In 26 cases, the coexistence of a normal mitochondrial DNA and a mutated mitochondrial DNA (heteroplasmy) was found (19 simple deletions, 4 multiple deletions and 3 punctual mutations) and all cases presented with ocular disorders (excepted 2 cases with MERRF). Furthermore, 1 complex I deficiency (1 ocular myopathy), 1 complex IV deficiency (1 adult encephalomyopathy type Leigh), 3 complexes I + IV deficiencies (2 cases with a cardiomyopathy and 1 familial MELAS) and 2 pyruvate (1 adult from of Leigh's encephalomyopathy) dehydrogenase deficiencies (clinically and genetically different) did not show evidence of mitochondrial DNA mutation.