U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

GTR Home > Conditions/Phenotypes > Leigh syndrome

Leigh syndrome

Synonyms
LEIGH SYNDROME, NUCLEAR; Leigh Disease; Leigh's disease; Leigh's necrotizing encephalopathy; Leigh's syndrome; Necrotizing encephalopathy infantile subacute of Leigh; Subacute necrotizing encephalopathy
Modes of inheritance
Autosomal recessive inheritance (Orphanet)
Mitochondrial inheritance (Orphanet)
X-linked recessive inheritance (Orphanet)

Summary

Excerpted from the GeneReview: Mitochondrial DNA-Associated Leigh Syndrome Spectrum
Mitochondrial DNA-associated Leigh syndrome spectrum (mtDNA-LSS) is part of a continuum of progressive neurodegenerative disorders caused by abnormalities of mitochondrial energy generation, which includes the overlapping phenotypes mtDNA-associated Leigh syndrome and mtDNA-associated Leigh-like syndrome. Mitochondrial DNA-LSS is characterized by onset of manifestations typically between ages three and 12 months, often following an intercurrent illness (usually viral) or metabolic challenge (vaccinations, surgery, prolonged fasting). Decompensation (often with elevated lactate levels in blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid) is typically associated with developmental delay and/or regression. Neurologic features include hypotonia, spasticity, seizures, movement disorders, cerebellar ataxia, and peripheral neuropathy. Brain stem dysfunction may manifest with respiratory symptoms, swallowing difficulties, ophthalmoparesis, and abnormalities in thermoregulation. Extraneurologic manifestations may include poor weight gain, cardiomyopathy, and conduction defects. Up to 50% of individuals die by age three years, most often from respiratory or cardiac failure.
Full text of GeneReview (by section):
Summary
Diagnosis
Clinical Characteristics
Genetically Related Disorders
Differential Diagnosis
Management
Genetic Counseling
Resources
Molecular Genetics
Chapter Notes
References
Authors:
Megan Ball
David R Thorburn
Shamima Rahman
view full author information

Available tests

244 tests are in the database for this condition.

Check Related conditions for additional relevant tests.

Clinical tests (244 available)

Molecular Genetics Tests

Genes See tests for all associated and related genes

  • Related genesHelp

Clinical features

Help
Imported from Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)

Show allHide all

IMPORTANT NOTE: NIH does not independently verify information submitted to the GTR; it relies on submitters to provide information that is accurate and not misleading. NIH makes no endorsements of tests or laboratories listed in the GTR. GTR is not a substitute for medical advice. Patients and consumers with specific questions about a genetic test should contact a health care provider or a genetics professional.