Massive gastric dilatation associated with uncontrolled epilepsy in MELAS syndrome

Abstract

We report a 23‐year‐old‐female with MELAS (Mitochondrial myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis, Stroke‐like episodes) syndrome with uncontrolled epilepsy due to massive gastric dilatation, immediate decompression and medical treatment was initiated; after it, she improved remarkably and has remained seizure free following hospitalization. This case illustrates massive gastric dilatation, an uncommon and underdiagnosed presentation of intestinal pseudo‐obstruction, as a potential cause of uncontrolled epilepsy in patients with MELAS syndrome.