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Cerebral infarction associated with Kearns-Sayre syndrome-related cardiomyopathy
J M Provenzale1, K VanLandingham
1Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Insights
Kearns-Sayre syndrome can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy and stroke. As pacemakers improve survival, stroke from heart issues may become more frequent in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) is a rare mitochondrial disorder.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy is a known complication of KSS.
- Advancements in cardiac pacing prolong survival for KSS patients.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old man with KSS and dilated cardiomyopathy presented with a stroke.
- The stroke occurred in the left middle cerebral artery territory.
- The stroke was attributed to a cardiogenic embolism.
Findings:
- This case highlights a potential link between KSS-related cardiomyopathy and embolic stroke.
- The incidence of cardiomyopathy in KSS is increasing with improved patient survival.
- Cardiogenic embolism may become a more significant cause of stroke in KSS.
Implications:
- Increased surveillance for cardiac complications in KSS patients is warranted.
- Neurologists and cardiologists should consider KSS in patients with unexplained cardiomyopathy and stroke.
- Future research should focus on preventative strategies for stroke in KSS.
Abstract:
We present the clinical and neuroradiologic findings of a 31-year-old man with Kearns-Sayre syndrome- related dilated cardiomyopathy who experienced a left middle cerebral artery territory stroke, thought to be due to cardiogenic embolism. The rate of clinically apparent cardiomyopathy in Kearns-Sayre patients can be expected to increase as their survival is prolonged by the use of cardiac pacemaker devices. Under these circumstances, stroke caused by cardiogenic embolism, which is presently rare, may become more common.