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Będkowska N, Zontek A, Paprocka J. Stroke-like Episodes in Inherited Neurometabolic Disorders. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12100929. [PMID: 36295831 PMCID: PMC9611026 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12100929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke-like episodes (SLEs) are significant clinical manifestations of metabolic disorders affecting the central nervous system. Morphological equivalents presented in neuroimaging procedures are described as stroke-like lesions (SLLs). It is crucial to distinguish SLEs from cerebral infarction or intracerebral hemorrhage, mainly due to the variety in management. Another significant issue to underline is the meaning of the main pathogenetic hypotheses in the development of SLEs. The diagnostic process is based on the patient’s medical history, physical and neurological examination, neuroimaging techniques and laboratory and genetic testing. Implementation of treatment is generally symptomatic and includes L-arginine supplementation and adequate antiepileptic management. The main aim of the current review was to summarize the basic and actual knowledge about the occurrence of SLEs in various inherited neurometabolic disorders, discuss the possible pathomechanism of their development, underline the role of neuroimaging in the detection of SLLs and identification of the electroencephalographic patterns as well as histological abnormalities in inherited disorders of metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Będkowska
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Aneta Zontek
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Justyna Paprocka
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
- Correspondence:
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Ewida A, Ahmed R, Luo A, Ghonim HT, Anilkumar AC. Mitochondrial Myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactic acidosis and Stroke-Like Episodes Syndrome Presenting With Anton-Babinski Syndrome and Concurrent Occipital Lobe Seizures. Cureus 2021; 13:e12908. [PMID: 33654593 PMCID: PMC7904536 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.12908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a complex group of disorders with multisystem involvement that have a wide range of biochemical and genetic defects. The earliest symptoms of MELAS typically include easy fatigability, muscle weakness, encephalopathy with stroke-like episodes, recurrent headaches and seizures. The pathogenesis of stroke-like episodes manifesting as focal deficits like acute cortical blindness is not fully understood. We present an eight-year-old, right-handed boy with MELAS confirmed by the presence of pathogenic missense variant mutation (mt.3243A>G) presenting with acute intermittent reversible episodes of cortical blindness and Anton-Babinski Syndrome secondary to concurrent occipital lobe seizures captured during video electroencephalography (V-EEG) monitoring, in addition to the neuro-imaging which was not consistent with acute ischemic stroke. This case highlights the importance of the V-EEG monitoring besides clinical testing and radiographic correlation during acute cortical blindness episodes in MELAS as occipital lobe seizures could be a part of the symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Ewida
- Neurology, Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse, USA
| | - Rashid Ahmed
- Neurology, Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse, USA
| | - Anqi Luo
- Neurology, University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | - Hesham T Ghonim
- Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, USA
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Levetiracetam administration is correlated with lower mortality in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes: a retrospective study. Chin Med J (Engl) 2019; 132:269-274. [PMID: 30681492 PMCID: PMC6595817 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000000061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies on the relationship between antiepileptic drug (AED) administration and clinical outcomes in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) remain scarce. Levetiracetam (LEV) is an AED that is neuroprotective in various neurologic disorders. This study aimed to determine the impact of LEV on the outcome of MELAS. Methods: A retrospective, single-center study was performed based on a large cohort of patients with MELAS with a history of seizures (n = 102). Decisions on antiepileptic therapies were made empirically. Patients were followed up for 1 to 8 years (median, 4 years) and divided into 2 groups based on whether LEV was administered (LEV or non-LEV). The modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores and mortality risks were analyzed in all patients. Results: LEV, carbamazepine, benzodiazepines, topiramate, oxcarbazepine, valproate, and lamotrigine were administered in 48, 37, 18, 13, 11, 9, and 9 patients, singly or in combination, respectively. The mean mRS score of the LEV group (n = 48) was lower than that of the non-LEV group (n = 54; mean ± standard deviation, 2.79 ± 1.47 vs. 3.83 ± 1.93, P = 0.006) up to the end of the study. Nevertheless, there was no difference in the proportion of subjects without disability (mRS ranging 0–1) between the groups (P = 0.37). The multivariate regressions revealed that LEV treatment was associated with lower mRS scores (odds ratio 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15–0.68, P = 0.003) and mortality rates (hazard ratio 0.24, 95% CI 0.08–0.74, P = 0.013). There was a significant difference in the Kaplan-Meier survival curves between the groups (χ2 = 4.29, P = 0.04). Conclusions: The LEV administration is associated with lower mortality in patients with MELAS in this retrospective study. Further laboratory research and prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm whether LEV has neuroprotective effects on patients with mitochondrial diseases.
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Finsterer J, Zarrouk-Mahjoub S. Headache in mitochondrial disorders. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2019; 166:44-49. [PMID: 29408771 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2018.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Headache is a prominent feature in mitochondrial disorders (MIDs) but no comprehensive overview is currently available. This review aims at summarising and discussing findings concerning type, frequency, pathogenesis, and treatment of headache in MIDs. The most frequent headache types in MIDs are migraine and migraine-like headache (MLH). MLH is classified as secondary headache. More rarely, tension-type headache, trigemino-autonomic headache, or different secondary headaches can be found. Migraine or MLH may manifest with or without aura. MLH is frequently associated with an ongoing or previous stroke-like episode (SLE) or a seizure but may also occur independently of other neurological features. MLH may be associated with prolonged aura or visual phenomena after headache. Except for MLH, treatment of headache in MIDs is not at variance from other causes of headache. Beyond the broadly accepted subtype-related headache treatment, diet, cofactors, vitamins, and antioxidants may provide a supplementary benefit. Midazolam, l-arginine, or l-citrulline may be beneficial for MLH. The pathogenesis of headache in MIDs largely remains unsolved. However, since migraine and MLH respond both to triptanes, a shared pathomechanism is likely. In conclusion, migraine and MLH are the prominent headache types in MIDs. MLH may or may not be associated with current or previous SLEs. MLH is pathophysiologically different from migraine and requires treatment at variance from that of migraine with aura.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sinda Zarrouk-Mahjoub
- University of Tunis El Manar and Genomics Platform, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunisia
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Lee HN, Eom S, Kim SH, Kang HC, Lee JS, Kim HD, Lee YM. Epilepsy Characteristics and Clinical Outcome in Patients With Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-Like Episodes (MELAS). Pediatr Neurol 2016; 64:59-65. [PMID: 27671241 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2016.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Revised: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epileptic seizures in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) are heterogeneous with no pathognomonic features. We reviewed epilepsy characteristics and clinical outcome exclusively in a pediatric population. METHODS Twenty-two children and adolescents (13 males) with confirmed mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes due to mitochondrial DNA A3243G mutation and epilepsy were recruited. Clinical data including seizure semiology, treatment response, neuroimaging findings, and electroencephalography were analyzed. We also examined the effect of the age at seizure onset and initial symptoms on the clinical variables. RESULTS Seizure semiology and electroencephalography abnormalities showed no syndrome-specific findings. Focal seizures occurred in 21 of 22 subjects (95.5%), whereas generalized seizures developed in seven of 22 subjects (31.8%). Twenty of 22 subjects (90.9%) achieved partial to complete reduction of clinical seizures for more than one year with a combination of more than two antiepileptic drugs. The subgroup with earlier seizure onset presented significantly earlier and showed significantly higher rates of drug-resistant epilepsy compared with the late onset group, although there were no significant differences in the initial symptoms. The subjects with severe epileptic conditions tended to have more severe clinical dysfunction and more severe organ involvement. CONCLUSIONS Both focal and generalized seizures occurred in patients with MELAS. Epilepsy in this population is drug resistant, but a certain degree of clinical seizure reduction was achievable with antiepileptic drugs, with more favorable outcomes than historically expected. Close observation and active epilepsy treatment of individuals with MELAS episodes and earlier seizure onset might improve the prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Neul Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Epilepsy Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soyong Eom
- Epilepsy Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se Hoon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hoon-Chul Kang
- Epilepsy Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon Soo Lee
- Epilepsy Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heung Dong Kim
- Epilepsy Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Mock Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Epilepsy Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Finsterer J, Zarrouk-Mahjoub S. Focal and Generalized Seizures May Occur in Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Strokelike Episodes (MELAS) Patients. J Child Neurol 2015; 30:1553-4. [PMID: 25637648 DOI: 10.1177/0883073814567539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sinda Zarrouk-Mahjoub
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, UR "Human Nutrition and Metabolic Disorders" Faculty of Medicine, Monastir, Tunisie
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Granata
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Instituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.
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Kisler JE, Whittaker RG, McFarland R. Mitochondrial diseases in childhood: a clinical approach to investigation and management. Dev Med Child Neurol 2010; 52:422-33. [PMID: 20163433 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2009.03605.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are a common cause of inherited neurological disorders in children. Although dysfunction of the central nervous system is prominent, multisystem involvement also occurs. Diagnosis relies on characteristic clinical features, an understanding of mitochondrial genetics, and a logical, informed approach to investigations. There is a significant body of recent literature on advances in mitochondrial genetics and the investigation of mitochondrial diseases. However, to our knowledge there remains a paucity of published information on the management of these disorders. Management of the complex constellation of neurological and multisystem clinical features is challenging, and is reliant on a multidisciplinary approach. The care of the child and family is dependent on clear communication between health professionals from primary, secondary, and tertiary care as well as specialist input from quaternary services. The aim of this review is to provide paediatric neurologists, paediatricians, and allied health professionals with a structured approach to the diagnosis and management of children with suspected or confirmed mitochondrial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Edith Kisler
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is, after the peripheral nervous system, the second most frequently affected organ in mitochondrial disorders (MCDs). CNS involvement in MCDs is clinically heterogeneous, manifesting as epilepsy, stroke-like episodes, migraine, ataxia, spasticity, extrapyramidal abnormalities, bulbar dysfunction, psychiatric abnormalities, neuropsychological deficits, or hypophysial abnormalities. CNS involvement is found in syndromic and non-syndromic MCDs. Syndromic MCDs with CNS involvement include mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactacidosis, stroke-like episodes syndrome, myoclonic epilepsy and ragged red fibers syndrome, mitochondrial neuro-gastrointestinal encephalomyopathy syndrome, neurogenic muscle weakness, ataxia, and retinitis pigmentosa syndrome, mitochondrial depletion syndrome, Kearns-Sayre syndrome, and Leigh syndrome, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, Friedreich's ataxia, and multiple systemic lipomatosis. As CNS involvement is often subclinical, the CNS including the spinal cord should be investigated even in the absence of overt clinical CNS manifestations. CNS investigations comprise the history, clinical neurological examination, neuropsychological tests, electroencephalogram, cerebral computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging. A spinal tap is indicated if there is episodic or permanent impaired consciousness or in case of cognitive decline. More sophisticated methods are required if the CNS is solely affected. Treatment of CNS manifestations in MCDs is symptomatic and focused on epilepsy, headache, lactacidosis, impaired consciousness, confusion, spasticity, extrapyramidal abnormalities, or depression. Valproate, carbamazepine, corticosteroids, acetyl salicylic acid, local and volatile anesthetics should be applied with caution. Avoiding certain drugs is often more beneficial than application of established, apparently indicated drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Finsterer
- Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Vienna, Austria.
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Corda D, Rosati G, Deiana GA, Sechi G. "Erratic" complex partial status epilepticus as a presenting feature of MELAS. Epilepsy Behav 2006; 8:655-8. [PMID: 16473046 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2005.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2005] [Revised: 12/15/2005] [Accepted: 12/21/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Patients with the syndrome of mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episodes (MELAS) may rarely present with complex partial status epilepticus (CPSE) at clinical onset. We report on a 38-year-old woman with MELAS presenting with multifocal CPSE and periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) on EEG during her first strokelike episode. CT scan documented a right temporo-parieto-occipital strokelike lesion. EEG showed prolonged seizure discharges with alternating focus over the temporo-occipital and frontotemporal regions of the right hemisphere; moreover, right frontotemporal PLEDs were evident when the seizure activity was localized in the temporo-occipital region. The electroclinical status and CT findings normalized gradually on carbamazepine therapy. The four other patients with MELAS described in the literature as presenting with CPSE showed unifocal epileptic discharges on EEG. We report for the first time a case in which multifocal CPSE is the presenting feature of MELAS. Our findings document the multifocality of neuronal hyperexcitability in the context of the cerebral strokelike lesion in this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Corda
- Neurological Clinic, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Finsterer J, Jarius C, Eichberger H. Phenotype variability in 130 adult patients with respiratory chain disorders. J Inherit Metab Dis 2001; 24:560-76. [PMID: 11757584 DOI: 10.1023/a:1012415810881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite continuously improving diagnostic facilities, respiratory chain disorders (RCDs) are easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. We thus studied phenotype variability and the diagnostic potential of clinical and laboratory investigations in patients with RCD. We retrospectively evaluated clinical and laboratory investigations in 130 patients with RCD: 63 women and 67 men, aged 17-87 years, diagnosed between January 1992 and December 1999. mtDNA mutations were found in 20 patients; a respiratory chain defect but no mutation in 4; an abnormal lactate stress test but no mutation or biochemical defect in 66; and ragged-red fibres or reduced oxidative enzyme staining but no mutation, biochemical defect or abnormal lactate stress test in 40 patients. The most frequent initial manifestation of RCD were limb weakness, muscle pain and sensory disturbances. The most frequent clinical findings at diagnosis were muscle pain, fatiguability, limb weakness, reduced tendon reflexes and muscle wasting, irrespective of the diagnostic evidence. Mean age at onset, disease duration and time until diagnosis were 39, 14 and 13 years, respectively, without sex differences. The family history was positive in 29% of the patients. Hyperlipidaemia was found in 45%, hyper-CK-aemia in 42%, short stature in 33%, thyroid dysfunction in 17%, diabetes in 12%, and epilepsy in 8% of the patients. Laboratory investigations that prove useful to support the diagnosis of RCD are muscle biopsy, electromyography, lactate stress testing, echocardiography and mtDNA analysis. Systems most often involved in RCDs were the PNS, CNS, endocrine system and heart. The diagnosis of RCD requires awareness of the great phenotypic heterogeneity and an individualized, integral, multidisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Finsterer
- Neurological Department, Neurological Hospital Rosenhügel, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Epilepsy and Neuronmuscular Disorders, Vienna, Austria
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Finsterer J, Pelzl G, Zartl M, Unger E, Mamoli B. Video-EEG monitoring in respiratory chain disorders. CLINICAL EEG (ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY) 2001; 32:24-7. [PMID: 11202138 DOI: 10.1177/155005940103200107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Subclinical epileptiform activity in patients with respiratory chain disorders (RCDs) has not been previously investigated by video-EEG monitoring. The purpose of this study was to look for the type and frequency of epileptiform activity during a 24 h-video-EEG recording in RCD patients. Eleven patients with RCD, 7 women and 4 men, aged 24-72 years, underwent a clinical neurologic examination, blood tests, CT/MRI scans of the brain, routine scalp EEG and continuous video-EEG monitoring over 24 consecutive hours. Ten patients had normal 24 h-video-EEG recordings. One of these patients had no CNS involvement; her resting EEGs showed diffuse background slowing. In one patient, automatic spike detection revealed 12 spikes during a 6 hour period. Resting scalp EEG in this patient showed extensive, bilaterally synchronous, pseudoperiodic polyspike-waves. In conclusion, subclinical epileptiform activity could be recorded by 24 h-video-EEG monitoring in only 1 of 11 RCD patients. The single patient with subclinical epileptiform activity presented with intermittent myoclonic jerks.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Finsterer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Research in Epilepsy and Neuromuscular Disorders, Second Neurological Department, Neurological Hospital Rosenhugel, Vienna, Austria
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