[Diagnosis and therapy of multiple system atrophy]

Numerous studies of the past years have established the clinical features, course and neuropathology characterizing multiple system atrophy (MSA). Clinically, two motor subtypes can be classified based on the predominance of a parkinsonian syndrome refractory to L-dopa and cerebellar ataxia. 80% of the cases involve MSA-P (the parkinsonian variant of MSA) and 20% MSA-C (cerebellar variant of MSA). Virtually all of these patients show disturbances of autonomic and urogenital function, half of the patients also exhibit pyramidal signs. Neuropathologically, MSA-C is based on an olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) and MSA-P on striatonigral degeneration (SND). However, a combination of OPCA and SND pathologies is observed in most cases. Recent evidence suggests that a key pathogenetic role may be played by glial alpha synuclein-containing inclusion bodies, which might lead to neuronal dysfunction and ultimately to cell loss. There is no therapy known to be effective in treating the motor disorders of MSA-C. By contrast, L-dopa replacement is at least transiently effective in about 30% of patients with MSA-P. Currently, initial efforts are being undertaken throughout Europe to develop neuroprotective solutions. Experiments are underway to test whether neurotransplantation by striatal grafting is a suitable method for inducing a clinically relevant response to L-dopa. Neurologically, the options for treating orthostatic hypertension and urogenital disorders are often overlooked.