Isolated complex I deficiency, the most frequent OXPHOS disorder in infants and children, is genetically heterogeneous. Mutations have been found in seven mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and eight nuclear DNA encoded subunits, respectively, but in most of the cases the genetic basis of the biochemical defect is unknown. We analyzed the entire mtDNA and 11 nuclear encoded complex I subunits in 23 isolated complex I-deficient children, classified into five clinical groups: Leigh syndrome, progressive leukoencephalopathy, neonatal cardiomyopathy, severe infantile lactic acidosis, and a miscellaneous group of unspecified encephalomyopathies. A genetic definition was reached in eight patients (35%). Mutations in mtDNA were found in six out of eight children with Leigh syndrome, indicating a prevalent association between this phenotype and abnormalities in ND genes. In two patients with leukoencephalopathy, homozygous mutations were detected in two different nuclear-encoded complex I genes, including a novel transition in NDUFS1 subunit. In addition to these, a child affected by mitochondrial encephalomyopathy had heterozygous mutations in NDUFA8 and NDUFS2 genes, while another child with neonatal cardiomyopathy had a complex rearrangement in a single NDUFS7 allele. The latter cases suggest the possibility of unconventional patterns of inheritance in complex I defects.

Epilepsy is an important sign in the early presentation of ME and may be the most apparent neurologic sign of nontypical ME, often leading to the diagnostic workup. Except for those with an A8344G mitochondrial DNA point mutation, most of our patients had partial seizures or EEG signs indicating a focal origin.

Alexander disease (AD) in its typical form is an infantile lethal leucodystrophy, characterized pathologically by Rosenthal fibre accumulation. Following the identification of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene as the causative gene, cases of adult-onset AD (AOAD) are being described with increasing frequency. AOAD has a different clinical and neuroradiological presentation with respect to early-onset AD, as abnormalities are mainly concentrated in the brainstem^spinal cord junction. We report detailed clinical and genetic data of 11 cases of AOAD, observed over a 4 -year period, and a review of the previously reported 25 cases of genetically confirmed AOAD. In our series, onset occurred as late as age 62, and up to 71 in an affected deceased relative. Most cases appeared sporadic, but family history may be misleading.The most frequent symptoms were related to bulbar dysfunctionçwith dysarthria, dysphagia, dysphonia (seven patients)ç, pyramidal involvement (seven patients) and cerebellar ataxia (seven patients). Four patients had palatal myoclonus. Sleep disorders were also observed (four cases). Bulbar symptoms, however, were infrequent at onset and two symptomatic patients had an almost pure pyramidal involvement. Two subjects were asymptomatic. Misdiagnosis at presentation was frequent and MRI was instrumental in suggesting the correct diagnosis by showing, in all cases, mild to severe atrophy of the medulla oblongata extending caudally to the cervical spinal cord. In ten patients, molecular studies revealed six novel missense mutations and three previously reported changes in GFAP. The last typical patient carried no definitely pathogenic mutation, but a missense variant (p.D157N), supposedly a rare polymorphism. Revision of the literature and the present series indicate that the clinical picture is not specific, but AOAD must be considered in patients of any age with lower brainstem signs.When present, palatal myoclonus is strongly suggestive. Pyramidal involvement, cerebellar ataxia and urinary disturbances are common. Less frequent findings include sleep disorders and dysautonomia. Fluctuations may occur. The course is variable, usually slowly progressive and less severe than the AD forms with earlier onset. AOAD is more common than previously thought and might even be the most common form of AD. The diagnosis is strongly suggested by MRI and confirmed by GFAP gene analysis.Keywords: Alexander disease; GFAP; brainstem diseases; medulla oblongata atrophy; palatal myoclonus Abbreviations: AD = Alexander disease; AOAD = adult-onset AD; FLAIR = fluid-attenuated inversion recovery; GFAP = glial fibrillary acidic protein

We investigated two unrelated children with an isolated defect of mitochondrial complex III activity. The clinical picture was characterized by a progressive encephalopathy featuring early-onset developmental delay, spasticity, seizures, lactic acidosis, brain atrophy and MRI signal changes in the basal ganglia. Both children were compound heterozygotes for novel mutations in the human bc1 synthesis like (BCS1L) gene, which encodes an AAA mitochondrial protein putatively involved in both iron homeostasis and complex III assembly. The pathogenic role of the mutations was confirmed by complementation assays, using a DeltaBcs1 strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. By investigating complex III assembly and the structural features of the BCS1L gene product in skeletal muscle, cultured fibroblasts and lymphoblastoid cell lines from our patients, we have demonstrated, for the first time in a mammalian system, that a major function of BCS1L is to promote the maturation of complex III and, more specifically, the incorporation of the Rieske iron-sulfur protein into the nascent complex. Defective BCS1L leads to the formation of a catalytically inactive, structurally unstable complex III. We have also shown that BCS1L is contained within a high-molecular-weight supramolecular complex which is clearly distinct from complex III intermediates.

Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) is a rare, progressive, chronic encephalitis characterised by drug-resistant epilepsy, progressive hemiparesis and mental impairment. It typically involves only one cerebral hemisphere, which becomes atrophic. We present neuroradiological findings in 13 children with RE. MRI was performed in all patients, fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (PET) in three, Tc-99m hexamethylpropylenamine oxime single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in two and proton MR spectroscopy ((1)HMRS) in two. MRI showed progression of the hemisphere atrophy, always prevalent in the region primarily involved (13 patients), spread of the abnormal signal in white matter (11) and cortex (10) and progression of atrophy of the head of the caudate nucleus (nine). Associated secondary changes were: atrophy of the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere (in four patients), the ipsilateral hippocampus (in five) and the brain stem (in five). The earliest CT and MRI abnormalities, seen between 1 day and 4 months after the first seizure (in 12 patients examined, nine of whom had MRI) in one cerebral hemisphere included: high signal on T2-weighted images in the cortex (seven patients) and white matter (nine), cortical atrophy usually involving the frontoinsular region, with mild or severe enlargement of the lateral ventricle (eight) and moderate atrophy of the head of the caudate nucleus (seven). Cortical swelling in the early stage of the disease was recognisable only in two patients. PET revealed hypometabolism, SPECT decreased perfusion, and (1)HMRS reduction of N-acetylaspartate in the affected hemisphere. PET and SPECT were usually performed in the late stages and did not provide specific findings. MRI thus demonstrates the progression of RE and may suggest the diagnosis in the early stages, often before the appearance of neurological deficits. Early diagnosis of RE may be crucial for selecting patients for aggressive medical therapy or major surgical interventions such as hemispherectomy.