Kisho is an information platform, not a medical provider. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. All content is aggregated from publicly available sources (including ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, FDA.gov, and Orphanet) and is provided for informational purposes only. Clinical trial eligibility, treatment decisions, and any health-related actions should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Kisho does not endorse any specific therapy, organization, or clinical trial. Terms of use · Privacy policy
Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) is a mitochondrial disease characterized by progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO), pigmentary retinitis and an onset before the age of 20 years. Common additional features include deafness, cerebellar ataxia and heart block.
Features include: Short stature, Seizure, Pigmentary retinopathy, and Ataxia and 20 more.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Brain and nerves | 4 | Seizure, Ataxia, Progressive loss of mental abilities (dementia) |
Heart and blood vessels | 3 | Arrhythmia, Third degree atrioventricular block, Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy) |
Eyes | 2 | Pigmentary retinopathy, Ptosis |
Hormones | 2 | Diabetes mellitus, Primary adrenal insufficiency |
Kidneys and urinary system | 2 | Renal tubular acidosis, Renal Fanconi syndrome |
Muscles | 2 | Muscle weakness, Ragged-red muscle fibers |
Growth and development | 1 | Short stature |
Blood and immune system | 1 | Sideroblastic anemia |
Head and neck | 1 | Microcephaly |
Ears | 1 | Inner ear hearing loss (sensorineural hearing impairment) |
Lab test results | 1 | Increased CSF protein concentration |
Single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion syndromes (SLSMDSs) predominantly comprise overlapping phenotypes including Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS), KSS spectrum, Pearson syndrome (PS), chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO), and CPEO-plus . Leigh syndrome is rarely a manifestation of a single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion (SLSMD). Table 2. Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes: Frequency of Phenotypes
Phenotype | Cohort of 34 Children1 | Cohort of 228 Adults Children2 |
|---|---|---|
KSS | 29% | 7% |
KSS spectrum | 0% | 25% |
A diagnostic algorithm has been proposed for single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion syndromes (SLSMDSs) by .
SLSMDSs should be suspected in probands with clinical features present in any of the following overlapping phenotypes.
Clinical features. Onset before age 20 years with the classic clinical triad of:
Pigmentary retinopathy (progressive vision impairment due to rod-cone dystrophy), the pivotal feature that distinguishes KSS from chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO)
CPEO including ptosis
Cardiac conduction abnormality including bundle branch block, which may progress to complete heart block
Source: GeneReviews — "Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes"
Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) and chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) must be differentiated from other disorders associated with ophthalmoplegia. The ptosis in individuals with single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion syndromes (SLSMDSs) is typically asymmetric, compared to the other causes listed in , in which the ptosis is typically more symmetric as well as fluctuating.
Table 4.
Disorders with Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia to Consider in the Differential Diagnosis of KSS and CPEO
Gene | Disorder | MOI | Features of This Disorder Not Typically Associated with KSS or CPEO
~35 genes incl:CHATCHRNECOLQDOK7RAPSN | Congenital myasthenic syndromes (See also Myasthenia Gravis after this table.) | ARAD1 | • Primary muscle disorders
Source: GeneReviews — "Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes"
Biomarker and diagnostic research for Kearns-Sayre syndrome has been reported in the published literature.
No approved treatments are currently available for Kearns-Sayre syndrome. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease in an individual diagnosed with a single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion syndrome (SLSMDS), the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to diagnosis) are recommended. Table 6. Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Neurologic | Neurologic eval | To consider brain MRI (esp before cochlear implants or pacemaker are indicated); Consider EEG if seizures are a concern in the setting of normal electrolytes (i.e., unprovoked seizures). |
Hearing | Audiologic eval | Assess for hearing loss. Development/ |
Cognition | Developmental /or cognitive assessment | To incl motor, adaptive, cognitive, speech-language eval; Eval for early intervention/ special education in children Feeding/ |
Nutrition | Nutrition/ feeding team eval | To incl assessment of weight, eval of nutritional status, aspiration risk; Consider eval for gastrostomy tube placement in persons w/dysphagia, poor weight gain, /or aspiration risk. Eyes |
Musculoskeletal | Orthopedics/ physical medicine rehab/ PT OT eval |
Source: GeneReviews — "Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes"
Volatile anesthetic hypersensitivity may occur. Avoid prolonged treatment with propofol (30-60 minutes) . Guidelines for anesthesia in individuals with mitochondrial disease are available . Note: Previously, avoidance of numerous medications was recommended in individuals with primary mitochondrial disorders including SLSMDSs. However, a recent expert review panel utilizing a Delphi consensus method updated the recommendations on medication safety and advised affected individuals to consult with the physician managing their mitochondrial disease.
Source: GeneReviews — "Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes"
2 trials found
The Mitochondrial Medicine Society (MMS) published surveillance standards (summarized in ) for individuals with mitochondrial disease to monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations . Table 8. Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes: Recommended Surveillance
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Neurologic | Neurology assessment for ataxia, neuropathy, seizures or changes in seizures, myopathy | Annually Hearing |
Ophthalmology | Eval by neuro-ophthalmologist /or retinal specialist oculoplastic surgeon for CPEO, ptosis, pigmentary retinopathy, w/surveillance testing as indicated (e.g., electroretinography, optical coherence tomography, visual fields) | Annually, or more frequently as needed Feeding |
Musculoskeletal | Physical medicine, OT/PT assessment of mobility, self-help skills | Annually |
Cardiac | EKG echocardiogram to monitor cardiac conduction contractility | Every 6-12 mos after diagnosis per cardiologist Endocrinology manifestations |
Exocrine pancreatic dysfunction | Fecal fat, fecal elastase | As needed based on symptoms Respiratory |
Source: GeneReviews — "Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes"
Estimated prevalence: 1-9 in 100,000 (Uncommon).
2 clinical trials registered, 2 recruiting. Interventions under study include other interventions. Research is primarily sponsored by academic and government institutions.
53 publications have been identified in PubMed for Kearns-Sayre syndrome. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (34%), Review / Meta-Analysis (21%), and Basic Science / Preclinical (15%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Patient case studies | 18 | 34% |
Research summaries | 11 | 21% |
Laboratory research | 8 | 15% |
New treatment approaches | 6 | 11% |
Disease patterns and progression | 5 | 9% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 4 | 8% |
Clinical study results | 1 | 2% |
Ehrenberg M (2026). [PMID: 41087305](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41087305/). *Ophthalmic genetics*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Wang J (2026). [PMID: 41074779](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41074779/). *Clinical genetics*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Shahab SH (2026). [PMID: 41496996](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41496996/). *Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)*. [Gene Therapy / Novel Therapeutics]
Lang SH (2026). [PMID: 41610485](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41610485/). *Molecular genetics and metabolism*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Amaro T (2026). [PMID: 42171571](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42171571/). *JACC Case Rep*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
MacMullen LE (2025). [PMID: 40760494](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40760494/). *Orphanet journal of rare diseases*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Labella B (2025). [PMID: 41252304](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41252304/). *Journal of neuromuscular diseases*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Yu M (2025). [PMID: 39940729](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39940729/). *International journal of molecular sciences*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Leung V (2025). [PMID: 39729257](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39729257/). *Documenta ophthalmologica. Advances in ophthalmology*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Finsterer J (2025). [PMID: 40389721](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40389721/). *Documenta ophthalmologica. Advances in ophthalmology*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Data assembled from 7 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 7:51 AM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about Kearns-Sayre syndrome
PS
32% |
3% |
CPEO | 9% | 57%-64%3 |
CPEO-plus | 21% | — |
No phenotype assigned | 9% | CPEO = chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia; KSS = Kearns-Sayre syndrome; PS = Pearson syndrome 1. 2. Using classic criteria for CPEO (ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, dysphagia, proximal limb weakness, exercise intolerance), 57% met criteria for CPEO. Onset. |
Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes: Frequency of Select Features Feature | Two Cohorts of 341 42 Children2 | Cohort of 228 Children Adults3 |
Neurologic | Dysautonomia | 86% |
69% of children w/SLSMDSs were reported to have ≥1 neurologic manifestation.2 Exercise intolerance | 77% | 20% |
Muscle weakness | 26%-71% | 47% |
Sensorineural hearing loss | 31%-67% | 18% |
Ataxia | 6%-69% | 12% |
Migraine headaches | 37% | 4% |
Dysarthria | 34% | — |
Gross motor delays | 26% | — |
Hypotonia | 24% | 8% |
Cognitive impairment | 23% | 4% Muscle wasting |
6% Seizures | 6%-9% | Neuropathy |
4% Tremor | 3% | 3% |
Ocular | Ptosis | 54%-64% |
Retinopathy | 34%-38% | 11% |
Ophthalmoparesis | 26% | 84% |
Corneal thickening | 9% | — |
Recurrent uveitis | 3% | — |
Cardiac | Conduction defects | 45%-66% |
Cardiomyopathy | ~10% | 3% |
Endocrine | Short stature | 9%-76% |
Diabetes mellitus | 24%-26% | 9% |
Hypoparathyroidism | 9%-57% | — |
Adrenal insufficiency | 9% | 3% |
Hypothyroidism | 3% | — |
Hematologic | Neutropenia | 91% |
Thrombocytopenia | 73% | — |
Anemia | 32%-77% | 5% |
Other | Renal manifestations | 80%-85% |
Psychiatric manifestations | 69% | 3% |
Poor weight gain | 63%-89% | — |
Increased liver enzymes | 31% | 5% |
Insomnia | 29% | CK = creatine kinase; SLSMDSs = single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion syndromes 1. 2. 3. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Single Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Syndromes"
To incl assessment of:; Gross motor fine motor skills; Mobility, ADL, need for adaptive devices; Need for PT (to improve gross motor skills) /or OT (to improve fine motor skills) Cardiology
Hematologic | CBC | In those w/KSS, PS, CPEO Ferritin |
Genetic counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of SLSMDSs to facilitate medical personal decision making Family support resources |
AI-curated news mentioning Kearns-Sayre syndrome
Updated Sep 17, 2026
A new study highlights the use of patient-derived fibroblasts as a clinically relevant model for Kearns-Sayre syndrome. This research could enhance understanding and treatment strategies for this rare mitochondrial disorder.