Thelansis

  Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by autonomic failure (cardiovascular and/or urinary), parkinsonism, cerebellar impairment, and corticospinal signs with a median survival of 6-9 years.   Etiology- The etiology of MSA is unknown but the presence of cytoplasmic aggregates of α-synuclein, primarily in oligodendroglia, in combination with neurodegeneration in striatonigral and olivopontocerebellar structures are the pathological hallmark features. Mutations in COQ2 (4q21.23) (encoding an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q10) have been shown in multiplex families with MSA, while some variants were associated with an increased risk for sporadic MSA.   Epidemiology- The incidence of MSA in the United States is estimated at 0.6 cases per 100,000 people per year in the general population giving a current estimate of about 1,900 new cases per year in the USA. A prevalence study in London, UK, gave an age-adjust...