Deficiency in complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase) of the respiratory chain, presenting as a leukodystrophy in two siblings with Leigh syndrome.

Two siblings with Leigh syndrome presenting at the age of 6 months with clinical and radiological features suggestive of a leukodystrophy are reported. A deficiency in complex IV of the respiratory chain (cytochrome c oxidase) was demonstrated in muscle mitochondria of both patients. To our knowledge, this is the first familial case of Leigh syndrome due to cytochrome c oxidase deficiency, presenting clinically and radiologically with signs of a leukodystrophic process. We suggest that respiratory chain enzyme defects should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cases suggestive of a leukodystrophy.