Bilateral striatal necrosis, dystonia and multiple mitochondrial DNA deletions: Case study and effect of deep brain stimulation

Bilateral striatal necrosis (BSN) is relatively rare and has been related to a wide array of causes, including nuclear and mitochondrial DNA mutations. We report the clinical vignette of a patient with a 37 years-history of generalized dystonia secondary to BSN associated with multiple mitochondrial DNA deletions of undefined origin. Globus pallidus interna deep brain stimulation produced sustained benefit, with predominant improvements in disability. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society.