title: Recent developments in multiple system atrophy.
abstract: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare late onset neurodegenerative disorder which presents with autonomic failure and a complicated motor syndrome including atypical parkinsonism, ataxia and pyramidal signs. MSA is a glial alpha-synucleinopathy with rapid progression and currently poor therapeutic management. This paper reviews the clinical features, natural history and novel diagnostic criteria for MSA as well as contemporary knowledge on pathogenesis based on evidence from neuropathological studies and experimental models. An outline of the rationale for managing symptomatic deterioration in MSA is provided together with a summary of novel experimental therapeutic approaches to decrease disease progression.
authors.affiliation: Section of Clinical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. Gregor.Wenning@i-med.ac.at
authors.forename: Gregor K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Wenning
authors.forename: Nadia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stefanova
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D019578:Multiple System Atrophy / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012791:Shy-Drager Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D051844:alpha-Synuclein / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D051844:alpha-Synuclein