Disturbed oxidative metabolism in subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy (Leigh syndrome)

Several disorders of oxidative metabolism have been described in association with subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy (SNE) or Leigh syndrome. We present an eight-year-old girl with a mild spastic paraparesis and clinical deterioration on intercurrent infections. One sib died of SNE proven by autopsy. Biochemical examination of muscle tissue points to a disturbance in the process of oxidative phosphorylation due to a disturbed oxidation of NADH. The biochemical disorders associated with SNE are reviewed. The relation of SNE to the concepts of encephalomyopathy and mitochondriopathy is discussed.