Purpose: To describe a unique mitochondrial syndrome that may present with the combination of ocular manifestations, sensory symptoms, and speech dysfunction.
Design: Case report.
Methods: Case report and review of the literature.
Results: A 43-year-old man presented with a Sensory Ataxic Neuropathy, Dysarthria, and Ophthalmoparesis (SANDO). Nerve conduction studies showed a sensory ganglionopathy. Skeletal muscle biopsy revealed ragged red fibers, and polymerase chain reaction analysis of the tissue demonstrated multiple mitochondrial DNA deletions.
Conclusion: Mitochondrial disease should be considered in cases of external ophthalmoplegia, especially if a sensory ganglionopathy and dysarthria are present.