title: The pathophysiology of stroke in mitochondrial disorders.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Coleman Pavilion, 11175 Campus Street, Room A1120G, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA. dmichels@ahs.llumc.edu
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Michelson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ashwal