Melas Syndrome in the Differential Diagnosis of Encephalopathies in Older Adults: A Case Report

Ramos RR, Matchil NL, de Oliveira BD, Kohatsu SB, Wederman D and Gattás-Vernaglia IF

Hospital Sírio Libanês- Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa, Brazil

^*Correspondance to: Isabela Figaro Gattás Vernaglia 

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Abstract:

MELAS (Mitochondrial myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis and Stroke) is a syndrome characterized by mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes. Although usually diagnosed in the first decades of life, it is possible that manifestations are not recognized at older ages. This article aims to report the case of a 70-year-old female patient, admitted to the emergency department with delirium, and who, after ruling out organic causes, was diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial syndrome. The detailed evaluation of the case allowed the diagnosis of MELAS syndrome, with symptoms manifesting late. In this report, the importance of possible differential diagnoses regarding encephalopathies of atypical course is highlighted, even in patients with advanced ages.

Keywords:

MELAS; Delirium; Mitochondrial Diseases; Older adults

Cite the Article:

Ramos RR, Matchil NL, de Oliveira BD, Kohatsu SB, Wederman D, Gattás- Vernaglia IF. Melas Syndrome in the Differential Diagnosis of Encephalopathies in Older Adults: A Case Report. Clin Case Rep Int. 2023; 7: 1556.