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Cone and rod dysfunction in the NARP syndrome.
I Chowers1, T Lerman-Sagie, O N Elpeleg
1Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 9, 1999
Summary
Neuropathy, ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa (NARP) syndrome, caused by an mtDNA mutation, shows variable eye problems. Some patients primarily experience cone dystrophy, highlighting the diverse ophthalmic manifestations.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
Background:
- Neuropathy, ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa (NARP) syndrome is a maternally inherited mitochondrial disorder.
- It is associated with a specific point mutation at position 8993 of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
Observation:
- A mother and her two children, all carriers of the 8993 mtDNA mutation, were evaluated.
- Two individuals exhibited clinical signs of NARP syndrome.
- Ophthalmic and systemic examinations were conducted on all three family members.
Findings:
- The son presented with a typical cone-rod dystrophy.
- The daughter exhibited a typical cone dystrophy.
- The mother, despite carrying the mutation, showed no ocular manifestations.
Implications:
- This study highlights the significant variability in ophthalmic presentations of NARP syndrome.
- The findings suggest that cone photoreceptors are primarily affected in the retinal dystrophy of some NARP patients.
- Understanding this variability is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of NARP syndrome.