Late-onset Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy with Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-like Episodes (MELAS) Syndrome in a 63-year-old Patient

Cureus. 2020 Apr 27;12(4):e7862. doi: 10.7759/cureus.7862.

Abstract

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) usually manifests in early life. Clinical hallmarks of the disease are mitochondrial myopathies, encephalopathy with stroke-like episodes, seizures, and lactic acidosis. It rarely manifests in late adulthood. Here we present the case of a 63-year-old female patient who developed recurrent stroke-like symptoms with typical resolving and remitting pattern of findings on imaging. Later on, it was confirmed as a case of MELAS upon genetic analysis.

Keywords: encephalopathy; lactic acidosis; melas; mitochondrial dna mutation; mri; myopathy; seizures; stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports