Leigh syndrome

Información en español Title

Other Names:

LS; Subacute necrotizing encephalopathy; SNE; LS; Subacute necrotizing encephalopathy; SNE; Necrotizing encephalopathy infantile subacute of Leigh; Leigh's necrotizing encephalopathy; Leigh's disease; Infantile subacute necrotizing encephalopathy; Leigh disease See More

Categories:

Congenital and Genetic Diseases; RDCRN

Summary Summary

Leigh syndrome is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative condition. It usually becomes apparent in infancy, often after a viral infection. Rarely, it begins in the teenage or adult years. Signs and symptoms usually progress rapidly. Early symptoms may include poor sucking ability; loss of head control and motor skills; loss of appetite; vomiting; and seizures.^[1] As the condition progresses, symptoms may include weakness and lack of muscle tone; spasticity; movement disorders; cerebellar ataxia; and peripheral neuropathy. Complications can lead to impairment of respiratory, heart and kidney function.^[2] The term "Leigh-like syndrome" is often used for people with features that are strongly suggestive of Leigh syndrome but who do not meet the diagnostic criteria.^[3]

The inheritance of Leigh syndrome depends on where the responsible gene is located in each case. This is because it can be due to mutations in either mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA:^[3]^[2]^[4]

Mitochondrial DNA-associated Leigh syndrome follows a mitochondrial inheritance pattern (also called maternal inheritance).
Nuclear gene-encoded Leigh syndrome may be inherited in an autosomal recessive or X-linked manner.

Treatment is based on the symptoms present and depends on the type of Leigh syndrome a person has.^[2]^[4] While life expectancy depends on the cause of Leigh syndrome in each person, most do not survive past mid-childhood or adolescence.^[1]

Last updated: 12/27/2016

Symptoms Symptoms

The symptoms of Leigh syndrome vary greatly from person to person. Very rarely, affected people with near-normal neurologic findings have been reported. Most people with Leigh syndrome have central nervous system and peripheral nervous system abnormalities, without involvement of other body systems.^[5]

Central nervous system abnormalities may include:^[1]^[5]

Developmental delay or regression
Nystagmus
Ophthalmoparesis (weakness in the muscles that control eye movement)
Optic atrophy
Ataxia
Dysphagia
Retinitis pigmentosa
Deafness

Peripheral nervous system abnormalities may include polyneuropathy and myopathy.^[1]^[5]

Although most people with Leigh syndrome only have neurological abnormalities, some people also have non-neurologic abnormalities. These may include:^[5]

Distinct physical features
Hormone abnormalities resulting in short stature or hypertrichosis
Heart abnormalities (hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy)
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea

Last updated: 12/27/2016

The Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) provides the following list of features that have been reported in people with this condition. Much of the information in the HPO comes from Orphanet, a European rare disease database. If available, the list includes a rough estimate of how common a feature is (its frequency). Frequencies are based on a specific study and may not be representative of all studies. You can use the MedlinePlus Medical Dictionary for definitions of the terms below.

Signs and Symptoms	Approximate number of patients (when available)
Abnormality of movement	Very frequent (present in 80%-99% of cases)
Ataxia	Very frequent (present in 80%-99% of cases)
Cognitive impairment	Very frequent (present in 80%-99% of cases)
Decreased activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain	Very frequent (present in 80%-99% of cases)
Muscular hypotonia	Very frequent (present in 80%-99% of cases)
Nystagmus	Very frequent (present in 80%-99% of cases)
Respiratory insufficiency	Very frequent (present in 80%-99% of cases)
Strabismus	Very frequent (present in 80%-99% of cases)
Hemiplegia/hemiparesis	Frequent (present in 30%-79% of cases)
Optic atrophy	Frequent (present in 30%-79% of cases)
Progressive ophthalmoplegia	Frequent (present in 30%-79% of cases)
Progressive spastic paraplegia	Frequent (present in 30%-79% of cases)
Seizures	Frequent (present in 30%-79% of cases)
Abnormal pattern of respiration	-
Autosomal recessive inheritance	-
CNS demyelination	-
Dysarthria	-
Dystonia	-
Emotional lability	-
Failure to thrive	-
Hepatocellular necrosis	-
Heterogeneous	-
Hyperreflexia	-
Hypertrichosis	-
Increased CSF lactate	-
Increased serum lactate	-
Infantile onset	-
Intellectual disability	-
Lactic acidosis	-
Mitochondrial inheritance	-
Ophthalmoplegia	-
Phenotypic variability	-
Pigmentary retinopathy	-
Progressive	-
Ptosis	-
Respiratory failure	-
Sensorineural hearing impairment	-
Spasticity	-

Last updated: 7/1/2017

Cause Cause

Leigh syndrome can be caused by mutations in any of more than 75 different genes. Most of our genes are made up of DNA in the cell's nucleus (nuclear DNA). Some of our genes are made up of DNA in other cell structures called mitochondria (mitochondrial DNA, or mtDNA). Most people with Leigh syndrome have a mutation in nuclear DNA, and about 20% have a mutation in mtDNA.

Most genes associated with Leigh syndrome are involved in the process of energy production in mitochondria (oxidative phosphorylation). Five protein complexes, named complex I through complex IV, are involved in this process. Many of the gene mutations associated with Leigh syndrome disrupt the function of proteins in these complexes, how the complexes form, or additional steps related to energy production. Researchers believe that impaired oxidative phosphorylation may cause cells to die because they don't have enough energy. The death of brain cells likely contributes to the neurologic features of the condition, while the death of cells in other tissues may lead to additional symptoms in other parts of the body.^[2]

More information about the genes responsible for Leigh syndrome is available here on the Genetics Home Reference website.

Last updated: 12/27/2016

Inheritance Inheritance

Leigh syndrome can be inherited in different ways depending on the location of the responsible gene in each person.^[2]

It is most commonly inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.^[2] This means that to be affected, a person must have a mutation in both copies of the responsible gene in each cell. Affected people inherit one mutated copy of the gene from each parent, who is referred to as a carrier. Carriers of an autosomal recessive condition typically do not have any signs or symptoms (they are unaffected). When two carriers of an autosomal recessive condition have children, each child has a:

25% chance to be affected
50% chance to be an unaffected carrier like each parent
25% chance to be unaffected and not a carrier

Autosomal recessive inheritance applies to most of the associated genes in nuclear gene-encoded Leigh syndrome.^[2]

In about 20% of cases, when Leigh syndrome is due to mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mitochondrial DNA-associated Leigh syndrome), it is inherited in a mitochondrial pattern.^[2] This is also called maternal inheritance. Only egg cells, but not sperm cells, pass mitochondria on to children. This means that children can inherit mtDNA mutations from their mother only. This type of Leigh syndrome can occur in every generation of a family, and can affect males and females. However, affected males do not pass the condition on to their children. The father of an affected child is not at risk of having the mtDNA mutation, but the mother of an affected child usually has the mutation and may or may not have symptoms. In some cases, an mtDNA mutation occurs for the first time in an affected person and is not inherited. This is called a de novo mutation.

In a few cases of Leigh syndrome due to mutations in nuclear DNA, inheritance is X-linked recessive.^[2] X-linked recessive conditions usually occur in males, who only have one X chromosome (and one Y chromosome). Females have two X chromosomes, so if they have a gene mutation on one of them, they still have a normal copy on their other X chromosome. For this reason, females are typically unaffected. While females can have an X-linked recessive condition, it is very rare.

If a mother is a carrier of an X-linked recessive condition and the father is not, the risk to children depends on each child's sex.

Each son has a 50% chance to be unaffected, and a 50% chance to be affected
Each daughter has a 50% chance to be unaffected, and a 50% chance to be an unaffected carrier

If a father has the condition and the mother is not a carrier, all sons will be unaffected, and all daughters will be unaffected carriers.

Last updated: 12/27/2016

Diagnosis Diagnosis

Leigh syndrome may be diagnosed by using the following criteria, defined by Rahman et al. in 1996:^[3]

Progressive neurologic disease with motor and intellectual developmental delay
Signs and symptoms of brainstem and/or basal ganglia disease
Raised lactate concentration in blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
The presence of one or more of the following:
- Characteristic features on brain imaging (CT scan or MRI)
- Typical nervous system tissue changes
- Typical nervous system tissue changes in a similarly affected sibling

After these criteria are met and a diagnosis of Leigh syndrome is made, molecular genetic testing can then differentiate between mtDNA-associated Leigh syndrome (caused by mutations in mtDNA) and nuclear gene-encoded Leigh syndrome (caused by mutations in nuclear DNA).^[3] A diagnosis of nuclear gene-encoded Leigh syndrome can be made either by identifying a mutation in nuclear DNA, or by excluding the presence of a mutation in mtDNA.^[4]

Because not all patients have increased lactate levels, recent studies proposed new diagnostic criteria excluding the raised lactate levels as a prerequisite. The remaining criteria are similar, but add mitochondrial dysfunction as a criterion.^[3]

A diagnosis of Leigh-like syndrome may be considered in individuals who do not meet the strict diagnostic criteria but have features resembling Leigh syndrome.^[3]

Last updated: 12/28/2016

Testing Resources

The Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) provides information about the genetic tests for this condition. The intended audience for the GTR is health care providers and researchers. Patients and consumers with specific questions about a genetic test should contact a health care provider or a genetics professional.
Orphanet lists international laboratories offering diagnostic testing for this condition.

Treatment Treatment

Treatment of Leigh syndrome is directed toward the specific symptoms present in each person.^[6]

Supportive care for Leigh syndrome includes treatment of acidosis, seizures, dystonia, and cardiomyopathy, and attention to nutritional status.^[4]^[3]

Because anesthesia can potentially aggravate respiratory symptoms and bring on respiratory failure, careful consideration should be given to its use and close monitoring prior to, during, and after its use.^[4]^[3]

Progression and new symptoms should be monitored regularly (typically every 6-12 months). Evaluations with a neurologist, ophthalmologist, audiologist, and cardiologist are recommended.^[4]^[3]

Specific treatment is possible for the three nuclear gene-encoded Leigh-like syndromes (milder conditions with similar features). These include biotin-thiamine-responsive basal ganglia disease (BTBGD), biotinidase deficiency, and coenzyme Q10 deficiency caused by mutation of PDSS2.^[4]

Last updated: 12/27/2016

Management Guidelines

GeneReviews provides current, expert-authored, peer-reviewed, full-text articles describing the application of genetic testing to the diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling of patients with specific inherited conditions.
Mitochondrial DNA-Associated Leigh Syndrome
Nuclear Gene-Encoded Leigh Syndrome

Statistics Statistics

Leigh syndrome in general is rare and is estimated to affect about 1 in 30,000 to 1 in 40,000 people at birth. Mitochondrial DNA-associated Leigh syndrome, which is more rare than nuclear gene-encoded Leigh syndrome, is likely to occur in about 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 140,000 births.^[3]

Leigh syndrome is much more common in certain populations. For example, it occurs in approximately 1 in 2,000 newborns in the Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, Canada and in approximately 1 in 1,700 on the Faroe Islands (between Norway and Iceland).^[2]

Last updated: 12/27/2016

Do you have updated information on this condition? Let us know.

Research Research

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are studying or have studied Leigh syndrome. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Patient Registry

People Against Leigh Syndrome (PALS) seeks to build awareness of Leigh syndrome and support efforts that would lead to discovering a treatment or a cure. Click on the link to access their patient registry. For more information, visit the FAQ page.
The North American Mitochondrial Disease Consortium (NAMDC) is a team of doctors, nurses, research coordinators, and research labs throughout the U.S., working together to improve the lives of people with this condition through research. The North American Mitochondrial Disease Consortium (NAMDC) has a registry for patients who wish to be contacted about clinical research opportunities.

For more information on the registry see: http://rarediseasesnetwork.epi.usf.edu/registry/index.htm

Organizations Organizations

Nonprofit support and advocacy groups bring together patients, families, medical professionals, and researchers. These groups often raise awareness, provide support, and develop patient-centered information. Many are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct people to research, resources, and services. Many groups also have experts who serve as medical advisors. Visit their website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

MitoAction
PO Box 51474
Boston, MA 02205
Toll-free: 888-648-6228
Telephone: 1-888-MITO-411 (648-6411) for support line
E-mail: info@mitoaction.org
Website: http://www.mitoaction.org
People Against Leigh Syndrome (PALS)
Lori Martin, Director
Houston, TX,
Telephone: 713-863-0485
E-mail: director@peopleagainstleighs.org
Website: http://peopleagainstleighs.org/
United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
8085 Saltsburg Road, Suite 201
Pittsburgh, PA 15239
Toll-free: 888-317-8633
Telephone: 412-793-8077
Fax: 412-793-6477
E-mail: info@umdf.org
Website: http://www.umdf.org

Social Networking Websites

RareConnect has an online community for patients and families with this condition so they can connect with others and share their experiences living with a rare disease. The project is a joint collaboration between EURORDIS (European Rare Disease Organisation) and NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders).

Do you know of an organization? Send us your suggestions.

Living With Living With

Living with a genetic or rare disease can impact the daily lives of patients and families. These resources can help families navigate various aspects of living with a rare disease.

Healthcare Resources

You can submit a question to Ask the Mito Doc^SM , a service of the United Mitochondrial Diseases Foundation. Information contained in Ask the Mito Doc^SM is for informational and educational purposes only.

Genetics Resources

To find a medical professional who specializes in genetics, you can ask your doctor for a referral or you can search for one yourself. Online directories are provided by GeneTests, the American College of Medical Genetics, and the National Society of Genetic Counselors. If you need additional help, contact a GARD Information Specialist. You can also learn more about genetic consultations from Genetics Home Reference.

Financial Resources

The Social Security Administration has included this condition in their Compassionate Allowances Initiative. This initiative speeds up the processing of disability claims for applicants with certain medical conditions that cause severe disability. More information about Compassionate Allowances and applying for Social Security disability is available online.

Learn More Learn More

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Leigh syndrome. This website is maintained by the National Library of Medicine.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. Each entry has a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Leigh syndrome. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Selected Full-Text Journal Articles

Huntsman RJ, Sinclair DB, Bhargava R, Chan A. Atypical presentations of Leigh syndrome: A case series and review. Pediatr Neurol 2005;32:334-340.

News & Events News & Events

NCATS Co-Sponsored Conferences

Nutritional Interventions in Primary Mitochondrial Disorders: Developing an Evidence Base Tuesday, December 2, 2014 - Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Location: NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD
Description: The goal of this meeting is to explore the use of nutritional interventions, including dietary supplements, in primary mitochondrial disorders (PMD); identify gaps in knowledge; develop a research agenda; and identify research opportunities to promote an evidence base for the use of nutritional interventions in primary mitochondrial disorders.

Contact: Kathryn Camp, MS, RD, CSP,(301) 435-3608, campkm@od.nih.gov

Co-funding Institute(s): Office of Dietary Supplements, Office of Rare Diseases Research
2013 Neurobiology of Disease in Children Symposium: Mitochondrial Disease Wednesday, October 30, 2013 - Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Description: The topic for the 2013 NDC Symposium is Mitochondrial Disease. The NDC Symposium is a forum for preeminent investigators assembled to discuss recent accomplishments and future directions with a large group of child neurologists, program officers from the National Institutes of Health, and members of dedicated foundations and associations.

Contact:

Co-funding Institute(s): National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Office of Rare Diseases Research
- Agenda ( - 38KB)
Third Genome Dynamics in the Neurosciences Conference Sunday, July 18, 2010 - Thursday, July 22, 2010
Location: The Hilton Metropole, Brighton, England
Description: The goal of this meeting was to integrate basic processes of DNA damage signaling and repair and clinical aspects of neurological and neurodegenerative disease. The program was designed to bring together leading scientists with primary interests in DNA damage signaling with those working in specific related neurodegenerative disease areas as a means for integrating these fields. It was anticipated that this would generate insights into how normal processes of genome maintenance in the brain contribute to the prevention of a wide range of diseases.

Contact: Dr. Danilo A. Tagle, NINDS(301) 496-5745tagled@mninds.nih.gov

Co-funding Institute(s): National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Office of Rare Diseases Research
- Agenda ( - 42KB)
- Speakers ( - 47KB)
- Summary ( - 13KB)
Nutritional Challenges in the High-Risk Infant Monday, September 14, 2009 - Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Location: DC Metro Area,
Description: Evidence was critically evaluated at this workshop. Current gaps in knowledge in this area were identified and research priorities were formulated. The workshop summary will provide NICHD and the scientific community a template to address the scientific and clinical issues related to nutrition and neonatal care.

Contact: Dr. Rosemary D. Higgins, NICHD 301-435-7909

Co-funding Institute(s): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Related Diseases Related Diseases

The following diseases are related to Leigh syndrome. If you have a question about any of these diseases, you can contact GARD.

GARD Answers GARD Answers

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

I wonder if I am a carrier of Leigh's disease (Leigh syndrome). My sister is, and her son has been affected by it and he is dying. Did she inherit this from our mom, or from her dad? We have different dads. Please help. Am I at risk? See answer
If a couple's first baby is diagnosed with Leigh syndrome, what is the chance that future children will have it as well? Is this condition inherited from the mother or father? See answer
I'd like to know as much as possible about Leigh syndrome. Could you also tell me what type of testing is available for the condition? I am particularly interested in learning more about genetic testing for the syndrome. See answer

Have a question? Contact a GARD Information Specialist.

References References

Leigh's Disease Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. December, 2011; http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/leighsdisease/leighsdisease.htm.
Leigh syndrome. Genetics Home Reference. June, 2016; https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/leigh-syndrome.
Thronburn DR & Rahman S.. Mitochondrial DNA-Associated Leigh Syndrome and NARP. GeneReviews. April 17, 2014; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1173/.
Rahman S & Thorburn D. Nuclear Gene-Encoded Leigh Syndrome Overview. GeneReviews. October 1, 2015; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK320989/.
Finsterer J. Leigh and Leigh-Like Syndrome in Children and Adults. Pediatr Neurol. 2008; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18805359.
Leigh Syndrome. NORD. 2016; http://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/leigh-syndrome/.