Dermatologic Manifestations of Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Review of the Literature.

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that function in energy metabolism, ROS production, and programmed cell death. Cutaneous epithelial and hair follicle dermal papilla cells are energy-rich cells that thereby may be affected by mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA mutation accumulation. In this review, we aimed to summarize the medical literature assessing dermatologic conditions and outcomes associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. A search of PubMed and Embase was performed with subsequent handsearching to retrieve additional relevant articles. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions, mutation accumulation, and damage are associated with phenotypic signs of cutaneous aging, hair loss, and impaired wound healing. In addition, several dermatologic conditions are associated with aberrant mitochondrial activity, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis. Mouse model studies have better established causality between mitochondrial damage and dermatologic outcomes, with some depicting reversibility upon restoration of mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial function mediates a variety of dermatologic conditions, and mitochondrial components may be a promising target for therapeutic strategies.

A rare case of basilar artery dissection.

This case describes a 30-year-old Hispanic male who presented with a significant headache that started after a period of weightlifting and squatting. The patient was diagnosed with a basilar artery dissection. His only complaint was a headache that was exacerbated with exertion and sexual activity; there were no neurologic deficits. The diagnosis of basilar artery dissection was established and supported by findings on the CT angiogram of his head and neck. Basilar artery dissections are rarely seen, as they are likely underrecognized due to their varying clinical presentations; however, it is important to consider these phenomena due to the risk of progression and high morbidity rates.

Increased Intracranial Pressure Due to Transverse Sinus Compression by a Meningioma En Plaque.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is defined as raised intracranial pressure of unknown etiology. Looking for underlying causes needs to be undertaken before the diagnosis is confirmed and managed accordingly. We are reporting a rare and unique case of a patient with the clinical diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension or pseudotumor cerebri. She is not obese and not taking any predisposing medication. Her first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance venogram (MRV) were reported as showing left transverse sinus thrombosis. She was treated with anticoagulation. Her final diagnosis of left transverse sinus compression by a meningioma en plaque (MEP) was finally made with a repeat MRI. A high index of suspicion of unusual causes is important when IIH presents in an atypical patient or with an atypical presentation. The prognosis and management of real IIH and raised intracranial pressure due to other causes are different.