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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
09:41
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Survival in multiple system atrophy
Anette Schrag1, Gregor K Wenning, Niall Quinn
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Free & University College Medical School, London, United Kingdom.
Movement Disorders : Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society
|November 30, 2007
Summary
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients have a poor prognosis, with a median survival of under 9 years. No factors predict better survival, except for potential misdiagnosis as Parkinson
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorder.
- Understanding the prognosis and survival rates in MSA is crucial for patient care and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the survival duration in a large cohort of prospectively studied patients with MSA.
- To identify potential predictive factors for survival in MSA patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 100 patients diagnosed with MSA.
- Survival data collection and analysis.
- Autopsy confirmation of diagnosis in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- Median survival was 8.6 years for men and 7.3 years for women.
- 85% of patients died during the study period.
- Autopsies confirmed MSA in 22 out of 24 patients; 2 were re-diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Conclusions:
- MSA is associated with a median survival of less than 9 years, confirming a poor prognosis.
- No significant predictive factors for improved survival were identified, apart from potential initial misdiagnosis.
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