How important are these mt dz for Step 1

[DarlynVMD]

So I'm currently reviewing Biochemistry and I came across an interesting set of mitochondrial dz's and mitochondrial myopathies, which include:

Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy,
Kearns-Sayre Syndrome,
MELAS Syndrome, &
MERRF Syndrome.

How important are these dz for the Step 1. I remember getting a q on MERRF in USMLESteps123 Q-bank, but I don't know if I should even bother knowing them. For those who took it, what do you guys think.

Thanks in advance.

D

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[GMDMD]

I know quite a few people who got such questions. All you need to know is the mode of inheritance and how to recognize that on a pedigree. I wouldn't stress to memorize the details.

 

[UditNarayan]

know the concepts behind mitoch diseases...so, the inheritance pattern, the physical diagnosis, reason for inheritance pattern, and the such is probably enough. i never found any need to know the ridiculous detail and it definitely worked for me. be a bit comfortable knowing what the symptoms would be like and you should be ok. good luck!

 

[DarlynVMD]

Much appreciated.... thank you.

 

[GMDMD]

just an add, on top of knowing the inheritance pattern, think about which areas of the body are likely to be most dependent upon on mitochondria/energy (brain, muscle, eye, etc). these are the areas most likely to be affected. don't bother memorizing the different acronyms and syndromes