Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy associated with a disorder indistinguishable from multiple sclerosis in a male harbouring the mitochondrial DNA 11778 mutation |
| |
Authors: | N. K. Olsen,A. W. Hansen,S. Nø rby,A. L. Edal,J. R. Jø rgensen,T. Rosenberg |
| |
Affiliation: | Departments of Neurology, Copenhagen, Denmark.;Departments of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.;Departments of Institute of Forensic Genetics, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark.;Departments of National Eye Clinic for the Visually Impaired, Copenhagen, Denmark. |
| |
Abstract: | This report describes a multiple sclerosis (MS)-like disorder in a male patient with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) harbouring the mitochondrial DNA 11778 base pair mutation. Given the population frequencies of MS and LHON, coincidental occurrence is unlikely. Hypothetically the mitochondrial mutation underlying LHON may contribute to presumably immunologically mediated involvement of other myelinated axons in the central nervous system in susceptible individuals, producing a disorder indistinguishable from MS. We recommend that investigation for oligoclonal bands in CSF, evoked potentials and MR brain scan in these patients be supplemented with mitochondrial DNA analysis. |
| |
Keywords: | Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy multiple sclerosis mitochondrial DNA mutation |
|
|