ragged red fibres

ragged red fibres

A feature of several MITOCHONDRIAL DNA disorders in which a high proportion of the muscle fibres contain structurally and functionally abnormal mitochondria. When stained and examined under the microscope these fibres appear red and ragged. The finding is commonly associated with slowly progressive weakness of the muscles of the limbs, defects of ocular movements, abnormally rapid tiredness on exertion, and a marked rise in the levels of lactic acid in the blood on exertion or even at rest.