New advances in multiple system atrophy

Abstract

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a variable combination of autonomic failure, parkinsonism with poor response to levodopa, cerebellar ataxia and pyramidal symptoms. The pathological hallmark of MSA is the oligodendrocytic glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) consisting of α-synuclein, and so MSA, together with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), is an α-synucleinopathy. Currently few effective biomarkers have been identified for the diagnosis or prognosis of MSA, and there is no established therapy to delay its progression. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, neuropathology, genetics, clinical presentation and diagnostic biomarkers of MSA, as well as recent advances in its treatment.

Keywords

multiple system atrophy (MSA) / neurodegenerative disorder