Progressive external ophthalmoplegia

Progressive external ophthalmoplegia is a disorder of the mitochondria. It is characterized by multiple mitochondrial DNA deletions in skeletal muscle.

Additional recommended knowledge

Daily Sensitivity Test

Guide to balance cleaning: 8 simple steps

Safe Weighing Range Ensures Accurate Results

Presentation

The most common clinical features include adult onset of weakness of the external eye muscles (ophthalmoplegia) and exercise intolerance.

Additional symptoms are variable, and may include cataracts, hearing loss, sensory axonal neuropathy, ataxia, clinical depression, hypogonadism, and parkinsonism.

Genetics

  Both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive inheritance can occur; autosomal recessive inheritance is usually more severe.

Diagnosis

It is usually diagnosed by neurologists.

Prognosis

There is no proven treatment;^[1] experimental agents such as coenyzme Q10 may provide benefit.

References

See also

• Ophthalmoparesis