The pathophysiology of stroke in mitochondrial disorders

Stroke occurs with an increased frequency in patients with mitochondrial disorders and is a characteristic feature of the MELAS phenotype. This article explores the proposed mechanisms by which mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to both vascular and non-vascular strokes and stroke-like episodes. The clinical features, neuroimaging, and pathologic findings of MELAS are reviewed as evidence for a cytopathologic basis for stroke in mitochondrial disorders. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. and Mitochondria Research Society. All rights reserved.