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Published in: Journal of Neurology 12/2010

01-12-2010 | Original Communication

Late-onset Leber hereditary optic neuropathy mimicking Susac’s syndrome

Authors: Stefano Zoccolella, Vittoria Petruzzella, Francesco Prascina, Lucia Artuso, Francesca Pacillo, Rosa Dell’Aglio, Carlo Avolio, Nicola Delle Noci, Marcella Attimonelli, Luigi Maria Specchio

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 12/2010

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Abstract

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondrial disorder characterized by bilateral painless optic atrophy and blindness. It usually occurs in young men in association with three major mutations in the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA). We report a patient with a history of alcohol abuse who developed at age 63 years visual impairment, sensorineural hearing loss, and memory dysfunction, suggestive of Susac’s syndrome. The patient carried the heteroplasmic mt. 11778G>A mutation on the T2e mtDNA haplogroup. It remains unclear if chronic alcohol abuse combined with the mitochondrial genetic background prompted an aged-related neurodegeneration or deferred the onset of the LHON disease.
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Metadata
Title
Late-onset Leber hereditary optic neuropathy mimicking Susac’s syndrome
Authors
Stefano Zoccolella
Vittoria Petruzzella
Francesco Prascina
Lucia Artuso
Francesca Pacillo
Rosa Dell’Aglio
Carlo Avolio
Nicola Delle Noci
Marcella Attimonelli
Luigi Maria Specchio
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Journal of Neurology / Issue 12/2010
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-010-5649-6

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