Navigating the Mitochondrial Maze: A Case Report of Emergent Cesarean Delivery After Labor Induction in a Patient With Leigh Syndrome.

Leigh syndrome is a rare mitochondrial disorder characterized by progressive psychomotor regression. Due to high childhood mortality and rare adult-onset cases, there are no guidelines for the obstetric management of this population. In these patients, physiological stress from labor may precipitate acute decompensation, manifesting with metabolic acidosis and multiorgan failure. We report the obstetric anesthetic management of a patient with adult-onset Leigh syndrome who required an emergent intrapartum cesarean delivery after labor induction. This case highlights the necessity of tailored anesthetic strategies to mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction and supports the potential safety of essential peripartum medications previously undocumented in this population.