Multiple system atrophy parkinsonian type (MSA-P)

Last revised by Rohit Sharma on 27 Feb 2024

Multiple system atrophy parkinsonian type (MSA-P), previously known as striatonigral degeneration, is a neurodegenerative disease, and one of the phenotypes of multiple systemic atrophy (MSA).

It is important to note that the current belief that olivopontocerebellar degeneration, Shy-Drager syndrome, and striatonigral degeneration are different manifestations of the same underlying disease, namely multiple systemic atrophy (MSA), is recent, and as such many older publications will describe these as separate entities 1,2.

For a discussion of epidemiology and pathology, please refer to multiple systemic atrophy (MSA).

MSA-P presents predominantly with parkinsonism with mild cerebellar and pyramidal and signs. Autonomic dysfunction is also common.

Unlike MSA-C, ataxia and bulbar symptoms are generally less prominent.

Putaminal findings in MSA-P 3:

  • reduced volume

  • reduced GRE and T2 signal relative to globus pallidus

  • reduced GRE and T2 signal relative to the red nucleus

  • putaminal rim sign: abnormal high T2 linear rim surrounding the putamen is seen at 1.5 T 3

    • importantly this is a normal finding at 3 T and thus should not be relied upon at a higher field strength 4

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