Le encefalomiopatie mitocondriali
The mitochondrial encephalomyopathies are relatively rare neuromuscular diseases clinically characterised by myopathy and encephalopathy caused by structurally or functionally impaired mitochondria. The biochemical hallmark of this group of disorders is impaired mitochondrial energy production: Kreb's cycle, respiratory chain, oxidative phosphorylation and beta-oxidation of fatty acids. The presence of lactic acidosis and ragged red fibres, i.e. subsarcolemmal accumulations of abnormally sized mitochondria are highly indicative findings for mitochondrial disease. Classification and diagnostic criteria are based on biochemical findings with a search for specific enzyme deficit and molecular genetic information. Molecular genetic studies aim to identify the mitochondrial DNA changes responsible for the enzyme defect. Ragged red fibres are not essential for diagnosis as they are not present in some diseases. In rare cases, mitochondrial diseases are caused by nuclear DNA defects or, more commonly a mitochondrial DNA deficit. Diagnosis may prove difficult given the pathogenetic complexity and clinical and phenotypical variability of these conditions. Despite indirect symptoms of mitochondrial disease, the enzyme defect and genetic alteration cannot be identified in some cases. The mitochondrial encephalopathies can be classified according to the metabolic pathways involved into impaired transport ot uptake of energy, impaired Kreb's cycle or respiratory chain complexes or complex defects due to mitochondrial DNA changes.