Cochlear Implantation for Isoleucyl-tRNA Synthetase Mutation-Associated Mitochondrial Disease: A Case Report

Biallelic missense mutations in the nuclear-encoded, cytosolic isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (IARS) gene are associated with a rare and complex multisystemic phenotype, including growth retardation, intellectual disability, muscular hypotonia, diabetes mellitus, and deafness. These mutations impact the cytosolic isoform of IARS, which plays a crucial role in protein synthesis. The pathogenesis involves mitochondrial dysfunction, despite IARS being primarily a cytosolic enzyme, potentially linking it to the observed clinical manifestations. The efficacy of cochlear implantation for deafness due to IARS mutations and the safety of general anesthesia in such patients remain unclear. This report describes a rare case of progressive sensorineural hearing loss caused by IARS mutation-associated mitochondrial disease, which was successfully treated with cochlear implantation. Additionally, we discuss the safety of general anesthesia in this patient. A Japanese woman with IARS mutation-associated mitochondrial disease was diagnosed with severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss at five years of age and immediately received hearing aids. Her hearing progressively deteriorated to profound impairment, necessitating cochlear implantation at 26 years of age, which resulted in satisfactory hearing. Furthermore, no perioperative general anesthesia-related adverse events were reported. Our case demonstrates that cochlear implantation can effectively restore hearing. This suggests that sensorineural hearing loss caused by IARS deficiency is primarily due to cochlear dysfunction. This case demonstrated that hearing loss is a crucial feature of IARS mutation-associated mitochondrial disease, which can be mitigated by cochlear implantation. While general anesthesia can be safely administered, careful consideration of anesthetic choices, such as avoiding depolarizing muscle relaxants and prolonged use of propofol, is essential to prevent complications. In this case, general anesthesia was well tolerated without perioperative events, providing valuable insight into the potential safety of such procedures in similar patients. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm these findings across a broader population.