Statins provoking MELAS syndrome. A case report.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Statins inhibit the production of 2,3-dimethoxy,5-methyl,6-polyisoprene parabenzoquinone also known as ubiquinone or coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is required for mitochondrial electron transport. Idiopathic or primary CoQ10 deficiencies have been known to cause mitochondrial encephalomyopathy.

METHODS:

We present the case of a patient with mitochondrial syndrome, consisting of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), whose symptoms were temporally related to statin therapy.

CONCLUSION:

Statins may provoke symptoms related to MELAS in susceptible individuals.

• Authors: Joseph E Thomas, Nora Lee, Paul D Thompson
• Journal: European neurology (Eur Neurol) Vol. 57 Issue 4 Pg. 232-5 ( 2007) ISSN: 1421-9913 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 17389800 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

Chemical References

• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Topics

• Adult
• Cerebral Infarction (diagnosis, etiology)
• Electroencephalography
• Humans
• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (adverse effects)
• MELAS Syndrome (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Muscle, Skeletal (pathology)