ABSTRACT
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in neonates is an important cause of brain damage that leads to severe neurological sequelae or death. Brain injury patterns on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are used to predict neurodevelopmental outcome severity. This case series describes the clinical manifestations and neurologic outcomes of four preterm infants with isolated deep gray matter injuries. Basal ganglia and thalamic lesions were noted without white matter and cerebral cortex lesion on brain MRI. All patients were preterm infants born at less than 33 weeks’ gestation and required resuscitation in the delivery room. All had seizures during the neonatal period requiring anti-seizure medications. Severe neurologic disability was identified in three patients using neurodevelopmental assessment tools. Another patient has not been evaluated with assessment tools yet as he was 2 months’ corrected age, but he was supported by home ventilation via a tracheostomy due to insufficient self-respiration. This case series demonstrates that isolated deep gray matter injuries in preterm infants could predict severe neurodevelopmental outcomes.
ABSTRACT
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion syndrome comprises diseases resulting from a deficiency of proteins involved in mtDNA synthesis. MPV17 is a mitochondrial membrane protein whose mutation causes mitochondrial deoxynucleotide insufficiency.MPV17-related hepatocerebral mtDNA depletion syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease. This case report describes the clinical manifestations of MPV17-related hepatocerebral mtDNA depletion syndrome analyzed by performing whole-exome sequencing (WES). A 17-month-old girl presented with developmental delay, jaundice, and failure to thrive. The laboratory findings revealed cholestatic hepatitis, increased lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, and prolongation of the prothrombin time. She developed a hypoglycemic seizure. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive demyelination of the white matter. WES detected the p.Leu151fs and p.Pro98Leu variants in MPV17. Her parents and sibling were found to be MPV17 heterozygous carriers. She was administered supportive treatment, such as replacement of fat-soluble vitamins and cornstarch to prevent further hypoglycemic events. The patient is currently being considered for liver transplantation. Overall, WES can help diagnose hepatocerebral mtDNA depletion syndrome in patients with hepatopathy, developmental delay, lactic acidosis, and hypomyelination based on brain magnetic resonance imaging.
ABSTRACT
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion syndrome comprises diseases resulting from a deficiency of proteins involved in mtDNA synthesis. MPV17 is a mitochondrial membrane protein whose mutation causes mitochondrial deoxynucleotide insufficiency.MPV17-related hepatocerebral mtDNA depletion syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease. This case report describes the clinical manifestations of MPV17-related hepatocerebral mtDNA depletion syndrome analyzed by performing whole-exome sequencing (WES). A 17-month-old girl presented with developmental delay, jaundice, and failure to thrive. The laboratory findings revealed cholestatic hepatitis, increased lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, and prolongation of the prothrombin time. She developed a hypoglycemic seizure. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive demyelination of the white matter. WES detected the p.Leu151fs and p.Pro98Leu variants in MPV17. Her parents and sibling were found to be MPV17 heterozygous carriers. She was administered supportive treatment, such as replacement of fat-soluble vitamins and cornstarch to prevent further hypoglycemic events. The patient is currently being considered for liver transplantation. Overall, WES can help diagnose hepatocerebral mtDNA depletion syndrome in patients with hepatopathy, developmental delay, lactic acidosis, and hypomyelination based on brain magnetic resonance imaging.