Chronic Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia Treatment & Management
- Author: Hampton Roy Sr, MD; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy Sr, MD more...
Medical Care
Several small studies have shown evidence of clinical improvement in patients treated with CoQ10. A decrease in serum levels of pyruvate and lactate were observed, and general neurologic function was noted to improve.[8]
For ptosis, adhesive tape and lid crutches can be used to assist patients with advanced chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO). A case study involving a patient with exposure keratopathy after previously unsuccessful lid surgery discusses successful treatment with a combination spectacle-mounted lid crutch and moisture chamber.[9]
Surgical Care
Bell phenomenon is absent in many patients with CPEO; therefore, ptosis surgery often is contraindicated. Because a silicone sling is reversible, it could be a possibility for some patients.[10]
Patients with oculopharyngeal dystrophy who experience severe dysphagia may be treated with cricopharyngeal myotomy, but a gastrostomy tube often is more practical.
Strabismus surgery can be helpful in carefully selected patients if diplopia occurs and the patient has had a stable deviation for several months.[11]
Consultations
Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) is a complex disorder requiring the involvement of physicians from various specialties, including neurology, cardiology, ophthalmology, and endocrinology.
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Carlow TJ, Depper MH, Orrison WW Jr. MR of extraocular muscles in chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. Jan 1998;19(1):95-9. [Medline].
Kiyomoto BH, Tengan CH, Moraes CT, et al. Mitochondrial DNA defects in Brazilian patients with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia. J Neurol Sci. Nov 25 1997;152(2):160-5. [Medline].
Ahn J, Kim NJ, Choung HK, et al. Frontalis sling operation using silicone rod for the correction of ptosis in chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia. Br J Ophthalmol. Sept 11,2008.
Souilem S, Chebel S, Mancuso M, et al. A novel mitochondrial tRNA(Ile) point mutation associated with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia and hyperCKemia. J Neurol Sci. Jan 15 2011;300(1-2):187-90. [Medline].
De Coo IF, Gussinklo T, Arts PJ, et al. A PCR test for progressive external ophthalmoplegia and Kearns-Sayre syndrome on DNA from blood samples. J Neurol Sci. Jul 1997;149(1):37-40. [Medline].
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Soejima K, Sakurai H, Nozaki M, et al. Surgical treatment of blepharoptosis caused by chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia. Ann Plast Surg. Apr 2006;56(4):439-42. [Medline].
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Kosmorsky G, Johns DR. Neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations of mitochondrial DNA disorders: chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, Kearns-Sayre syndrome, and Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. Neurol Clin. Feb 1991;9(1):147-61. [Medline].
Phillips CI, Gosden CM. Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and Kearns-Sayre syndrome: mitochondrial DNA mutations. Surv Ophthalmol. May-Jun 1991;35(6):463-72. [Medline].

