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.     

Clinicopathological findings of a mitochondrial encephalopathy,lactic acidosis,and stroke‐like episodes/Leigh syndrome overlap patient with a novel m.3482A>G mutation in MT‐ND1

We report clinicopathological findings of a patient with mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like episodes/Leigh syndrome (MELAS/LS) associated with a novel m.3482A>G mutation in MT‐ND1. A 41‐year‐old woman had experienced multiple stroke‐like episodes since age 16. She developed akinetic mutism two months before admission to our hospital. Neurological examination revealed akinetic mutism, bilateral deafness, and muscular atrophy. Cerebrospinal fluid tests revealed elevated pyruvate and lactate levels. Fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery images on magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintense areas in the right frontal and both sides of temporal and occipital lobes, both sides of the striatum, and the midbrain. Muscle biopsy revealed strongly succinate dehydrogenase‐reactive blood vessels. L‐arginine therapy improved her consciousness and prevented further stroke‐like episodes. However, she died from aspiration pneumonia. Postmortem autopsy revealed scattered infarct‐like lesions with cavitation in the cerebral cortex and necrotic lesions in the striatum and midbrain. The patient was pathologically confirmed as having MELAS/LS based on two characteristic clinicopathological findings: presenting MELAS/LS overlap phenotype and effectiveness of L‐arginine treatment.     

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.     

Autopsied case with MERRF/MELAS overlap syndrome accompanied by stroke‐like episodes localized to the precentral gyrus

We present an autopsied case with A8344G‐mutated myoclonus epilepsy with ragged red fibers (MERRF)/mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS) overlap syndrome accompanied by stroke‐like episodes localized to the precentral gyrus. A 16‐year‐old Japanese woman suddenly experienced repetitive consciousness disturbances with increased serum lactate and creatine kinase levels. Magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal intensity of bilateral precentral gyrus. She was clinically diagnosed as having a mitochondrial disorder and the A8344G mutation was detected in mitochondrial DNA. At 17 years of age, she died from congestive heart failure secondary to a third episode of lactic acidosis. Neuropatho‐logically, multifocal laminar necrosis, which is responsible for stroke‐like episodes in MELAS, was seen in the frontal cortex including the precentral gyrus, but there was no neuronal loss and gliosis in the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and brainstem, which were compatible with MERRF. Hypertrophy of the vascular smooth muscle and choroidal epithelium were seen, and were strongly visualized by an anti‐mitochondrial antibody. Skeletal muscles showed uneven muscular diameters, increased central nuclei, and ragged red fibers (RRFs). Decreased cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity and strongly succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)‐reactive blood vessels were also noted. Stroke‐like episodes in MERRF/MELAS overlap syndrome are thought to be rare in the frontal cortex including the precentral gyrus. Only two cases of MERRF/MELAS overlap syndrome with A8344G mutation, including this case, have shown stroke‐like episodes in the frontal lobes. Other than the A8344G mutation and frontal lobe involvement, they had a high degree of similarity in terms of presence of RRFs, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and lack of typical MERRF neuropathology. In conclusion, this is an important case describing the clinical spectrum associated with A8344G‐mutated MERRF/MELAS overlap syndrome.     

The G13513A mutation in the ND5 gene of mitochondrial DNA as a common cause of MELAS or Leigh syndrome: evidence from 12 cases

BACKGROUND: The number of molecular causes of MELAS (a syndrome consisting of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episodes) and Leigh syndrome (LS) has steadily increased. Among these, mutations in the ND5 gene (OMIM 516005) of mitochondrial DNA are important, and the A13513A change has emerged as a hotspot. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features, muscle pathological and biochemical characteristics, and molecular study findings of 12 patients harboring the G13513A mutation in the ND5 gene of mitochondrial DNA compared with 14 previously described patients with the same mutation. DESIGN: Clinical examinations and morphological, biochemical, and molecular analyses. SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital and molecular diagnostic laboratory. PATIENTS: Three patients had the typical syndrome features of MELAS; the other 9 had typical clinical and radiological features of LS. RESULTS: Family history suggested maternal inheritance in a few cases; morphological studies of muscle samples rarely showed typical ragged-red fibers and more often exhibited strongly succinate dehydrogenase-reactive blood vessels. Biochemically, complex I deficiency was inconsistent and generally mild. The mutation load was relatively high in the muscle and blood specimens. CONCLUSION: The G13513A mutation is a common cause of MELAS and LS, even in the absence of obvious maternal inheritance, pathological findings in muscle, or severe complex I deficiency.     

Late-onset Leigh syndrome with myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers

We report the case of a boy with myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers (MERRF) who had astatic seizures since 2 years of age and later developed ataxia, absence seizures, and myoclonus. Almost homoplasmic A8344G mutation of mitochondrial DNA (m.8344A>G mutation) was detected in lymphocytes. He developed late-onset Leigh syndrome (LS) when he contracted pneumonia at 6 years. He developed bulbar palsy and deep coma. MRI demonstrated lesions in the brainstem, basal ganglia, and cerebral cortex. Three similar cases have been reported; two carried the almost-homoplasmic m.8344A>G mutation in muscle tissue. These suggested that almost homoplastic m.8344A>G mutation developed clinical phenotype of MERRF in the early stage and late-onset Leigh syndrome in the late course of the disease.     

线粒体DNA G13513A突变所致线粒体脑肌病伴高乳酸血症和脑卒中样发作/Leigh重叠综合征

目的 报道1例线粒体DNA G13513A点突变所致线粒体脑肌病伴高乳酸血症和脑卒中样发作(MELAS)/Leigh重叠综合征的临床、影像学、神经病理学改变特点.方法 患者为22岁女性,反复出现头痛、视力下降和肢体抽动11年,因癫疴持续状态而死亡.之前多次MRI检查发现大脑皮质大片长T1长T2异常信号,病灶从枕叶开始,逐渐波及顶叶,疾病后期累及双侧基底节区及脑干灰质核团.对患者进行脑局部尸体解剖检查,取肌肉标本进行线粒体基因检查.结果 各个脑叶皮质以及双侧纹状体和中脑四叠体可见多灶性层样分布的海绵样改变,出现胶质增生、毛细血管内皮细胞增生以及较多单核细胞反应,其中双侧枕叶和顶叶的皮质全层以及皮质下白质被严重累及.基因检查显示线粒体还原型烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸脱氢酶5基因存在G13513A点突变.结论 MELAS/Leigh重叠综合征的临床表现以皮质损害为主,影像学改变提示病变先累及大脑皮质,而后累及脑干和基底节区,出现海绵样改变伴随毛细血管增生.     

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。     

MELAS综合征和Leigh病患者的影像学观察

目的观察线粒体脑肌病伴乳酸血症和卒中样发作(MELAS)综合征和Leigh病患者的影像学特点。方法对12例MELAS综合征、7例Leigh病和1例MELAS与Leigh病叠加患者的影像学特点进行系统分析。结果 12例MELAS综合征患者脑CT及MRI示病灶多位于枕、颞、顶叶皮质及皮质下,且病灶在左侧占优势;7例leigh病患者病变部位主要在双侧基底节、丘脑及脑干。4例MELAS综合征、4例Leigh病患者、1例叠加的核磁波谱检查示病变区乳酸水平明显增高。DWI仅显示新病灶,FLAIR可观察到所有新旧病灶,较T2像敏感。MELAS可见部分病变侧MRA血管增粗增多,且病情复发时病灶有迁徙,旧病变有萎缩的特点。结论 MELAS和Leigh的影像学特点有显著差异,前者以脑叶皮质及皮质下受累为主,病变范围较大,不符合大脑动脉供血区分布。Leigh患者主要病变部位在脑干、基底节,且病灶发展变化趋势有一定的规律性。FLAIR与DWI是不可缺少的扫描像位。MRS对线粒体脑病和线粒体脑肌病的诊断有重要价值,应作为本病常规扫描序列。     

NARP-MILS syndrome caused by 8993 T > G mitochondrial DNA mutation: a clinical, genetic and neuropathological study

The 8993 T > G mutation in mitochondrial DNA has been associated with variable syndromes of differing severity ranging from maternally inherited Leigh’s syndrome (MILS) to neuropathy, ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa (NARP), depending on the mutation loads in affected patients. We report a kindred with several members in the same generation suffering NARP or Leigh’s syndrome due to a 8993 T > G mutation. Post-mortem studies of the brain in one affected member clinically presenting with a neurological disorder intermediate between adult Leigh’s syndrome and NARP showed symmetrical lesions of the basal ganglia and brainstem closely resembling those usually described in typical Leigh’s syndrome. Analysis of mtDNA in different tissues showed a high proportion of mutant genome in brainstem, cerebral cortex, putamen, cerebellum and thalamus. These observations illustrate the continuum of clinical and neuropathological manifestations associated with the 8993 T > G mutation of the mtDNA.A. Rojo and Y. Campos contributed equally and should be considered first authors     

MERRF/MELAS overlap syndrome associated with 3243 tRNALeu(UUR) mutation of mitochondrial DNA

We report a case of myoclonus epilepsy associated with ragged-red fibers (MERRF)/mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episode (MELAS) overlap syndrome with hearing loss, external ophthalmoplegia, and myoclonus epilepsy in addition to stroke-like episode and diabetes mellitus. Pathologically, there was degeneration in the dentate nuclei, substantia nigra, red nucleus, and subthalamic nucleus which has been reported as characteristic of MERRF, as well as necrotic lesions of various stages in the cerebral cortex, characteristic of MELAS. The gene study disclosed 3243 mutation in the tRNA^Leu(UUR) gene of mitochondrial DNA. This case is the first neuropathological report of MERRF/MELAS overlap syndrome verified by gene analyses.     

The mitochondrial DNA G13513A transition in ND5 is associated with a LHON/MELAS overlap syndrome and may be a frequent cause of MELAS

We report on 4 male patients with clinical, radiological, and muscle biopsy findings typical of the mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) phenotype. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis showed that all patients harbored a heteroplasmic G13513A mutation in the ND5 subunit gene. One of these cases (Patient 1) presented with symptoms characteristic of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) 2 years before the first stroke-like episode. Quantitative analysis in several postmortem tissue sections showed that the relative proportions of mutant mtDNA were generally lower than those reported with other pathogenic mtDNA mutations. Single-fiber polymerase chain reaction studies demonstrated significantly higher amounts of mutant mtDNA in ragged red fibers (RRFs) compared with non-RRFs. This study indicates that the G13513A transition is likely to be pathogenic, that it can cause an LHON/MELAS overlap syndrome, and that it may be a more frequent cause of MELAS than previously recognized.     

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).     

MRI/~1H-MRS在MELAS综合征与卒中鉴别诊断中的应用研究

目的探讨线粒体脑肌病伴高乳酸血症及卒中样发作(MELAS)综合征头颅磁共振(MRI)及头颅磁共振波谱(~1H-MRS)特点与其早期诊断价值。方法对8例诊断为MELAS综合征患者的MRI及MRS结果进行分析。结果 8例MELAS综合征患者的头颅MRI结果示病变累及多个脑叶,主要包括额叶、颞叶、顶叶、枕叶皮质及双侧基底核、放射冠区,其中4例患者可见不同程度的脑萎缩;头颅磁共振血管造影(MRA)检测均未见颅内动脉异常,且病灶区域与主要供血动脉分布无明显相关性;4例患者头颅~1H-MRS可见病变区域显著Lac峰,以及病灶区NAA峰显著降低。结论头颅~1H-MRS能够为MELAS综合征患者提供无创性检查,分析脑组织能量代谢变化,对MELAS综合征的早期诊断具有重要价值。     

Neuroimaging characteristics in mitochondrial encephalopathies associated with the m.3243A>G MTTL1 mutation

Stroke-like lesions (SLL) are common radiological findings in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (SLE; MELAS) harboring the m.3243A>G MTTL1 mutation. Imaging patterns in the m.3243A>G mutation carriers with encephalopathies lacking SLE have not been systematically examined to date. The aim of this study was to analyze brain imaging findings in encephalopathies associated with the m.3243A>G mutation irrespective of the presence or absence of SLE. Brain MRI and cranial CT scans from 11 m.3243A>G mutation carriers with encephalopathies were analyzed by two neuroradiologists in consensus. We evaluated stroke-like lesions (SLL), deep grey matter (DGM) changes on T1- and T2-weighted MR images, calcification on CT, brain atrophy, and white matter (WM) changes. SLL were present in all patients showing the full MELAS phenotype with SLE (4/11). Seven patients did not show SLE. DGM changes with T1 hyperintensity and T2 hypointensity were a distinctive finding in most patients (7/11) and present in the majority of m.3243A>G mutation carriers lacking SLE (5/7). DGM changes were also seen in half of our MELAS patients with SLL (2/4), though less pronounced. Brain atrophy was a prominent finding in general and accentuated in the cerebellum. In contrast, WM changes were rather mild and more prevalent and pronounced in MELAS. Our data stress that the distinction between MELAS with SLE and m.3243A>G mutation carriers lacking SLE is rather artificial. In clinical practice, mitochondrial disorders associated with the m.3243A>G mutation should be taken into consideration in encephalopathies with DGM changes, even when SLE and SLL are lacking.     

ND3基因突变导致的线粒体脑肌病重叠综合征二例

目的孤立的线粒体电子传递链复合物Ⅰ缺陷是线粒体病常见的原因之一,可导致几种独特的临床综合征。方法本文报道2例NADH脱氢酶(ND)基因突变导致的线粒体脑肌病的临床资料,分析该2例线粒体脑肌病患者的临床表现,头颅影像学,血乳酸,血生化,血氨基酸,尿有机酸等,脑电图(EEG),肌电图(EMG)和神经传导速度,以及线粒体全基因二代测序和线粒体相关核基因的检查。结果例1患者部分症状符合线粒体脑肌病伴乳酸血症和卒中样发作(MELAS),部分症状符合伴破碎红纤维肌阵挛癫痫(MERRF)。该患者头颅MRI除MELAS常见的皮质病变外,还可见中脑和四叠体对称性异常信号,符合Leigh综合征(LS)影像学表现。线粒体基因二代测序发现MT ND3,10158TC突变。例2患者临床表现完全符合MELAS的临床特征,但头颅MRI可见中脑红核双侧对称性病变,又符合LS的影像学特征。线粒体全基因二代测序发现ND3,10191TC突变。结论对于难以解释的神经系统症状和体征,尤其有多系统受累表现,即使临床表现不符合某种独特的线粒体病综合征,也要提高警惕,避免漏诊。     

Leigh syndrome with spinal cord involvement due to a hemizygous NDUFA1 mutation

Leigh syndrome, which is a common phenotype of pediatric mitochondrial disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The typical neuroimaging findings of Leigh syndrome include bilateral symmetric lesions in the basal ganglia and/or the brainstem. However, there are a few reports on spinal cord involvement in patients with Leigh syndrome. In the present case, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained during infancy revealed symmetric lesions in the substantia nigra of a patient with Leigh syndrome with an NDUFA1 mutation; lesions of the bilateral putamen and brainstem were subsequently observed. Additionally, our patient presented large and extended spinal cord lesions. Therefore, this case is suggesting that we should consider the occurrence of spinal cord lesions as an atypical finding in Leigh syndrome.     

A novel mtDNA mutation in the ND5 subunit of complex I in two MELAS patients

We identified a novel heteroplasmic mutation in the mitochodrial DNA gene encoding the ND5 subunit of complex I. This mutation (13514A-->G) hits the same codon affected by a previously reported mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episodes (MELAS)-associated mutation (13513G-->A), but the amino acid replacement is different (D393G vs D393N). The 13514A-->G mutation was found in two unrelated MELAS-like patients. However, in contrast to typical MELAS, lactic acidosis was absent or mild and the muscle biopsy was morphologically normal. Strongly positive correlation between the percentage of heteroplasmy and defective activity of complex I was found in cybrids. We found an additional 13513G-->A-positive case, affected by a progressive mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. Our results clearly demonstrate that the amino acid position D393 is crucial for the function of complex I. Search for D393 mutations should be part of the routine screening for mitochondrial disorders.     

Molecular neuropathology of MELAS: level of heteroplasmy in individual neurones and evidence of extensive vascular involvement

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disease is an important genetic cause of neurological disability. A variety of different clinical features are observed and one of the most common phenotypes is MELAS (Mitochondrial Myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-like episodes). The majority of patients with MELAS have the 3243A>G mtDNA mutation. The neuropathology is dominated by multifocal infarct-like lesions in the posterior cortex, thought to underlie the stroke-like episodes seen in patients. To investigate the relationship between mtDNA mutation load, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuropathological features in MELAS, we studied individual neurones from several brain regions of two individuals with the 3243A>G mutation using dual cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) histochemistry, and Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction Fragment Lenght Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. We found a low number of COX-deficient neurones in all brain regions. There appeared to be no correlation between the threshold level for the 3243A>G mutation to cause COX deficiency within single neurones and the degree of pathology in affected brain regions. The most severe COX deficiency associated with the highest proportion of mutated mtDNA was present in the walls of the leptomeningeal and cortical blood vessels in all brain regions. We conclude that vascular mitochondrial dysfunction is important in the pathogenesis of the stroke-like episodes in MELAS patients. As migraine is a commonly encountered feature in MELAS, we propose that coupling of the vascular mitochondrial dysfunction with cortical spreading depression (CSD) might underlie the selective distribution of ischaemic lesions in the posterior cortex in these patients.     

MELAS型线粒体脑肌病的脑部MRI表现(附三例报道)

目的 总结分析MELAs型线粒体脑肌病的脑部MRI表现.方法 回顾性分析3例MELAS型线粒体脑肌病患者的临床资料和MRI表现.结果 MRI显示MELAS型线粒体脑肌病表现为以颞叶、顶、枕叶为主的皮层及皮层下白质病变,病变多呈双侧非对称性分布,部分患者以累及基底节为主要表现,T2WI和液体衰减翻转恢复序列对病变的显示有独特的作用,DWI、ADC图及增强扫描能够诊断及鉴别诊断线粒体脑肌病及卒中,MRS对其诊断可以起到辅助作用.结论 MELAS型线粒体脑肌病在MRI图像上具有特征性,MRI影像表现结合临床资料对本病多能作出正确的诊断.