Abstract

PEREZ RODRIGUEZ, Mario et al. Multiple system atrophy. A case report. Gac Méd Espirit [online]. 2014, vol.16, n.3, pp. 01-05. ISSN 1608-8921.

Background: The multiple system atrophy is a sporadic neurodegenerative disorder that may begin around age 60 and causes progressive disability to total dependence on a caregiver. Case report: A case presentation of a 57 year-old man who started with signs of unsteady gait and clumsiness in performing daily activities and which was interpreted as Parkinson's disease with poor response to levodopa with benserazide. During his study the patient showed worsening neurological symptoms and a computerized tomography of the skull was performed corroborating head and front cerebellar atrophy which supported the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy type C. He received treatment with levodopa together benserazide, and amantadine and a symptomatic relief of orthostatic hypotension was observed. Conclusions: Early diagnosis of the disease was hindered by its similar onset to other neurodegenerative diseases and its evolution caused progressive loss of the patient´s walking ability and the treatment did not modify the course of the disease.

Keywords : neurodegenerative diseases; multiple system atrophy; cerebellar atrophy; cerebellar ataxias; parkinsonism; Parkinson's disease; orthostatic hypotension.

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