POLG1 variations presenting as multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE

To describe 2 unrelated patients with novel variations in the POLG1 gene and features undistinguishable from multiple sclerosis, ie, optic neuritis, brain white matter hyperintense areas, and unmatched cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

University hospital. Patients  Both patients subsequently developed bilateral ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, myopathy, cardiomyopathy, ataxia, dysphagia, and hearing and cognitive impairment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Detailed clinical and laboratory examinations including brain magnetic resonance imaging, morphological analysis of a muscle biopsy, characterization of mitochondrial DNA integrity, sequencing of the POLG1 gene, and screening of control subjects for POLG1 sequence variants.

RESULTS

Ragged red fibers and multiple deletions of mitochondrial DNA were detected in the skeletal muscle. Four compound heterozygous variations, including 3 previously unreported, were identified in POLG1.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should be aware of the existence of POLG1-related multiple sclerosis-like illness, as it has important implications for management, treatment, and genetic counseling.