Multiple System Atrophy: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives

Abstract : Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a variable combination of parkinsonism, cerebellar impairment, and autonomic dysfunction. The pathologic hallmark is the accumulation of aggregated α-synuclein in oligodendrocytes, forming glial cytoplasmic inclusions, which qualifies MSA as a synucleinopathy together with Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. The underlying pathogenesis is still not well understood. Some symptomatic treatments are available, whereas neuroprotection remains an urgent unmet treatment need. In this review, we critically appraise significant developments of the past decade with emphasis on pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment development. We further discuss unsolved questions and highlight some perspectives.