Laryngeal Movement Disorders in Multiple System Atrophy: A Diagnostic Biomarker?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder, and its parkinsonian variant can be difficult to delineate from Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite laryngeal dysfunction being associated with decreased life expectancy and quality of life, systematic assessments of laryngeal dysfunction in large cohorts are missing.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to systematically assess laryngeal dysfunction in MSA and PD and identify laryngeal symptoms that allow for differentiating MSA from PD.

Methods

Patients with probable or possible MSA underwent flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing performing a systematic task protocol. Findings were compared with an age-matched PD cohort.

Results

A total of 57 patients with MSA (64 [59-71

SUBMITTER: Gandor F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7818263 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature