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Regain of visuospatial capacity after coenzyme Q10 in a patient with mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes: a case report

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2014

Che-Sheng Chu
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Chin-Liang Chu
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Hong-Ern Liu
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Ti Lu*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
*
Ti Lu, Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No. 386, Ta-Chung1st Road, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan. Tel: +88673422121x7093; Fax: +88673468346; E-mail: youngtzuchi@hotmail.com

Abstract

Objective: MELAS (mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. Multiple systems of the body, including cognitive function and heart conduction, can be affected by this disorder. We report a case with global cognitive impairment.

Method: A single-case report.

Results: The patient got improved cognitive function, especially visuospatial function, under coenzyme Q10 treatment.

Conclusion: First, coenzyme Q10 may give some benefit to control MELAS. Second, cognitive functions and intellectual abilities decline with disease progression. Routine neuropsychological tests should be performed.

Type
Case Reports
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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