A Mitochondrial Disorder in a Middle Age Iranian Patient: Report of a Rare Case

Basic Clin Neurosci. 2017 Jul-Aug;8(4):337-341. doi: 10.18869/nirp.bcn.8.4.337.

Abstract

Introduction: Mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) can involve multiple systems and cause stroke-like episodes and status epilepticus.

Case presentation: A 48-year-old female with history of early fatigability, migraine-type headaches, and bilateral sensory-neural hearing loss presented 3 episodes of serial seizures. On admission she was affected by Wernicke aphasia and, then, right hemiparesis. Investigations showed elevated arterial lactate and ragged red fibers on muscle biopsy.

Conclusion: Though more commonly diagnosed during childhood, some cases of adult-onset MELAS syndrome are reported. This syndrome should be considered in patients with stroke-like events in adults without cerebrovascular risk factors and difficult-to-treat seizures.

Keywords: MELAS Syndrome; Middle age; Mitochondrial disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports