Abnormal dopamine transporter imaging in pure autonomic failure: a potential biomarker of central nervous system involvement.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pure autonomic failure (PAF) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by neurogenic orthostatic hypotension at presentation, without other neurological abnormalities. Some patients may develop other central neurological features indicative of multiple system atrophy or a Lewy body disorder. There are currently no biomarkers to assess possible central nervous system involvement in probable PAF at an early stage. A possibility is to evaluate the nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration by imaging of dopamine transporter with DaTscan brain imaging. The objective was to evaluate subclinical central nervous system involvement using DaTscan in PAF. METHODS: We retreospectively reviewed pure autonomic failure patients who were evaluated at the Autonomic Unit between January 2015 and August 2021 and underwent comprehensive autonomic assessment, neurological examination, brain magnetic resonance imaging and DaTscan imaging. DaTscan imaging was performed if patients presented with atypical features which did not meet the criteria for Parkinson's disease or multiple system atrophy or other atypical parkinsonism. RESULTS: In this cohort, the median age was 49.5 years at disease onset, 57.5 years at presentation, and the median disease duration was 7.5 years. Five of 10 patients had an abnormal DaTscan without neurological features meeting the criteria of an alternative diagnosis. Patients with abnormal DaTscan were predominantly males, had shorter disease duration and had more severe genitourinary symptoms. DISCUSSION: Degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons measured using DaTscan imaging can present in patients with PAF without concurrent signs indicating progression to widespread α-synucleinopathy. It is advocated that DaTscan imaging should be considered as part of the workup of patients with emerging autonomic failure who are considered to have PAF.

Cardiovascular autonomic failure in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis and TTR carriers is an early and progressive disease marker.

BACKGROUND: The cardiomyopathic and neuropathic phenotype of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis are well recognized. Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is less systematically and objectively assessed. METHODS: Autonomic and clinical features, quantitative cardiovascular autonomic function, and potential autonomic prognostic markers of disease progression were recorded in a cohort of individuals with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis and in asymptomatic carriers of TTR variants at disease onset (T0) and at the time of the first quantitative autonomic assessment (T1). The severity of peripheral neuropathy and its progression was stratified with the polyneuropathy disability score. RESULTS: A total of 124 individuals were included (111 with a confirmed diagnosis of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, and 13 asymptomatic carriers of TTR variants). Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction were reported by 27% individuals at T0. Disease duration was 4.5 ± 4.0 years [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] at autonomic testing (T1). Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction were reported by 78% individuals at T1. Cardiovascular autonomic failure was detected by functional testing in 75% individuals and in 64% of TTR carriers. Progression rate from polyneuropathy disability stages I/II to III/IV seemed to be shorter for individuals with autonomic symptoms at onset [2.33 ± 0.56 versus 4.00 ± 0.69 years (mean ± SD)]. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction occurs early and frequently in individuals with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis within 4.5 years from disease onset. Cardiovascular autonomic failure can be subclinical in individuals and asymptomatic carriers, and only detected with autonomic function testing, which should be considered a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and disease progression.

Multidisciplinary consensus guideline for the diagnosis and management of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to create a multidisciplinary consensus clinical guideline for best practice in the diagnosis, investigation and management of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) due to cerebrospinal fluid leak based on current evidence and consensus from a multidisciplinary specialist interest group (SIG). METHODS: A 29-member SIG was established, with members from neurology, neuroradiology, anaesthetics, neurosurgery and patient representatives. The scope and purpose of the guideline were agreed by the SIG by consensus. The SIG then developed guideline statements for a series of question topics using a modified Delphi process. This process was supported by a systematic literature review, surveys of patients and healthcare professionals and review by several international experts on SIH. RESULTS: SIH and its differential diagnoses should be considered in any patient presenting with orthostatic headache. First-line imaging should be MRI of the brain with contrast and the whole spine. First-line treatment is non-targeted epidural blood patch (EBP), which should be performed as early as possible. We provide criteria for performing myelography depending on the spine MRI result and response to EBP, and we outline principles of treatments. Recommendations for conservative management, symptomatic treatment of headache and management of complications of SIH are also provided. CONCLUSIONS: This multidisciplinary consensus clinical guideline has the potential to increase awareness of SIH among healthcare professionals, produce greater consistency in care, improve diagnostic accuracy, promote effective investigations and treatments and reduce disability attributable to SIH.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical autonomic practice in Europe A survey of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) and the European Federation of Autonomic Societies (EFAS).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of the coronavirus-disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on European clinical autonomic practice. METHODS: Eighty-four neurology-driven or interdisciplinary autonomic centers in 22 European countries were invited to fill in a web-based survey between September and November 2021. RESULTS: Forty-six centers completed the survey (55%). During the first pandemic year, the number of performed tilt-table tests, autonomic outpatient and inpatient visits decreased respectively by 50%, 45% and 53%, and every-third center reported major adverse events due to postponed examinations or visits. The most frequent newly-diagnosed or worsened cardiovascular autonomic disorders after COVID-19 infection included postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), orthostatic hypotension, and recurrent vasovagal syncope, deemed likely related to the infection by ≥50% of the responders. Forty-seven percent of the responders also reported about people with new-onset of orthostatic intolerance, but negative tilt-table findings, and 16% about people with psychogenic pseudosyncope after COVID-19. Most patients were treated non-pharmacologically and symptomatic recovery at follow-up was observed in ≥45% of cases. By contrast, low frequencies of newly-diagnosed cardiovascular autonomic disorders following COVID-19 vaccination were reported, most frequently POTS and recurrent vasovagal syncope, and most of the responders judged a causal association unlikely. Non-pharmacological measures were the preferred treatment choice, with 50-100% recovery rates at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular autonomic disorders may develop or worsen following a COVID-19 infection, while the association with COVID-19 vaccines remains controversial. Despite the severe pandemic impact on European clinical autonomic practice, a specialized diagnostic work-up was pivotal to identify non-autonomic disorders in people with post-COVID-19 orthostatic complaints.

EFAS/EAN survey on the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on European clinical autonomic education and research.

PURPOSE: To understand the influence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on clinical autonomic education and research in Europe. METHODS: We invited 84 European autonomic centers to complete an online survey, recorded the pre-pandemic-to-pandemic percentage of junior participants in the annual congresses of the European Federation of Autonomic Societies (EFAS) and European Academy of Neurology (EAN) and the pre-pandemic-to-pandemic number of PubMed publications on neurological disorders. RESULTS: Forty-six centers answered the survey (55%). Twenty-nine centers were involved in clinical autonomic education and experienced pandemic-related didactic interruptions for 9 (5; 9) months. Ninety percent (n = 26/29) of autonomic educational centers reported a negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education quality, and 93% (n = 27/29) established e-learning models. Both the 2020 joint EAN-EFAS virtual congress and the 2021 (virtual) and 2022 (hybrid) EFAS and EAN congresses marked higher percentages of junior participants than in 2019. Forty-one respondents (89%) were autonomic researchers, and 29 of them reported pandemic-related trial interruptions for 5 (2; 9) months. Since the pandemic begin, almost half of the respondents had less time for scientific writing. Likewise, the number of PubMed publications on autonomic topics showed the smallest increase compared with other neurological fields in 2020-2021 and the highest drop in 2022. Autonomic research centers that amended their trial protocols for telemedicine (38%, n = 16/41) maintained higher clinical caseloads during the first pandemic year. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial negative impact on European clinical autonomic education and research. At the same time, it promoted digitalization, favoring more equitable access to autonomic education and improved trial design.

Multimodal Biomarkers Quantify Recovery in Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate patients with ganglionic acetylcholine receptor antibody (gAChR-Ab) positive autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy using a multimodal testing protocol to characterize their full clinical phenotype and explore biomarkers to quantify immunotherapy response. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study of 13 individuals (7 women, 21-69 years of age) with autonomic failure and gAChR-Ab >100 pM identified between 2005 and 2019. From 2018, all patients were longitudinally assessed with cardiovascular, pupillary, urinary, sudomotor, lacrimal and salivary testing, and Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS-31) autonomic symptom questionnaires. The orthostatic intolerance ratio was calculated by dividing change in systolic blood pressure over time tolerated on head-up tilt. Eleven patients received immunotherapy. RESULTS: At first assessment, all 13 patients had cardiovascular and pupillary impairments, 7 of 8 had postganglionic sudomotor dysfunction, 9 of 11 had urinary retention and xeropthalmia, and 6 of 8 had xerostomia. After immunotherapy, there were significant improvements in orthostatic intolerance ratio (33.3 [17.8-61.3] to 5.2 [1.4-8.2], p = 0.007), heart rate response to deep breathing (1.5 [0.0-3.3] to 4.5 [3.0-6.3], p = 0.02), pupillary constriction to light (12.0 [5.5-18.0] to 19.0 [10.6-23.8]%, p = 0.02), saliva production (0.01 [0.01-0.05] to 0.08 [0.02-0.20] g/min, p = 0.03), and COMPASS-31 scores (52 to 17, p = 0.03). Orthostatic intolerance ratio correlated with autonomic symptoms at baseline (r = 0.841, p = 0.01) and following immunotherapy (r = 0.889, p = 0.02). Immunofluorescence analyses of skin samples from a patient 32 years after disease onset showed loss of nerve fibers supplying the dermal autonomic adnexa and epidermis, with clear improvements following immunotherapy. INTERPRETATION: Patients with autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy demonstrated objective evidence of widespread sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic failure, with significant improvements after immunotherapy. Quantitative autonomic biomarkers should be used to define initial deficits, guide therapeutic decisions, and document treatment response. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:753-768.

Clinical autonomic nervous system laboratories in Europe: A joint survey of the European Academy of Neurology and the European Federation of Autonomic Societies: A joint survey of the European Academy of Neurology and the European Federation of Autonomic Societies.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Disorders of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are common conditions, but it is unclear whether access to ANS healthcare provision is homogeneous across European countries. The aim of this study was to identify neurology-driven or interdisciplinary clinical ANS laboratories in Europe, describe their characteristics and explore regional differences. METHODS: We contacted the European national ANS and neurological societies, as well as members of our professional network, to identify clinical ANS laboratories in each country and invite them to answer a web-based survey. RESULTS: We identified 84 laboratories in 22 countries and 46 (55%) answered the survey. All laboratories perform cardiovascular autonomic function tests, and 83% also perform sweat tests. Testing for catecholamines and autoantibodies are performed in 63% and 56% of laboratories, and epidermal nerve fiber density analysis in 63%. Each laboratory is staffed by a median of two consultants, one resident, one technician and one nurse. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of head-up tilt tests/laboratory/year is 105 (49-251). Reflex syncope and neurogenic orthostatic hypotension are the most frequently diagnosed cardiovascular ANS disorders. Thirty-five centers (76%) have an ANS outpatient clinic, with a median (IQR) of 200 (100-360) outpatient visits/year; 42 centers (91%) also offer inpatient care (median 20 [IQR 4-110] inpatient stays/year). Forty-one laboratories (89%) are involved in research activities. We observed a significant difference in the geographical distribution of ANS services among European regions: 11 out of 12 countries from North/West Europe have at least one ANS laboratory versus 11 out of 21 from South/East/Greater Europe (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: This survey highlights disparities in the availability of healthcare services for people with ANS disorders across European countries, stressing the need for improved access to specialized care in South, East and Greater Europe.

Severe distinct dysautonomia in RFC1-related disease associated with Parkinsonism.

Biallelic repeat expansions in replication factor C subunit 1 (RFC1) have recently been found to cause cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS). Additional features that have been described include Parkinsonism and a multiple system atrophy (MSA)-like syndrome. CANVAS can include features of dysautonomia, but they are much milder than typically seen in MSA. We report a detailed autonomic phenotype of multisystem RFC1-related disease presenting initially as CANVAS. Our patient presented aged 61 with a sensory ataxic neuropathy who rapidly developed widespread autonomic failure and Parkinsonism. The autonomic profile was of a mixed pre- and post-ganglionic syndrome with progressive involvement of sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiovascular and sudomotor function. The Parkinsonism did not respond to levodopa. We present a patient with CANVAS and biallelic RFC1 expansions who developed Parkinsonism with severe autonomic involvement similar to that seen in classical MSA. The link between MSA and CANVAS remains uncertain.

Dysautonomia in the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders-With a focus on the postural tachycardia syndrome.

Dysautonomia (autonomic dysfunction) occurs in the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). Symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, presyncope, and syncope, especially when standing upright. Symptoms of orthostatic intolerance are usually relieved by sitting or lying and may be exacerbated by stimuli in daily life that cause vasodilatation, such as food ingestion, exertion, and heat. Neurocardiovascular dysautonomia may result in postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), a major cause of orthostatic intolerance. It is defined by a rise in heart rate of >30 beats per minute (bpm) in adults and >40 bpm in teenagers while upright, without a fall in blood pressure (BP; orthostatic hypotension). In some, it can be compounded by the presence of low BP. For many, there is delay in clinicians recognizing the nature of the symptoms, and recognizing EDS or HSD, leading to delays in treatment. The onset of PoTS may be linked to an event such as infection, trauma, surgery, or stress. Gastrointestinal and urinary bladder involvement may occur, along with thermoregulatory dysfunction. In some, the mast cell activation syndrome may be contributary, especially if it causes vasodilatation. This paper reviews neurocardiovascular dysautonomia with an emphasis on PoTS, its characteristics, associations, pathophysiology, investigation, and treatment.

Variant connective tissue (joint hypermobility) and dysautonomia are associated with multimorbidity at the intersection between physical and psychological health.

The symptoms of joint hypermobility extend beyond articular pain. Hypermobile people commonly experience autonomic symptoms (dysautonomia), and anxiety or related psychological issues. We tested whether dysautonomia might mediate the association between hypermobility and anxiety in adults diagnosed with mental health disorders and/or neurodevelopmental conditions (hereon referred to as patients), by quantifying joint hypermobility and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. Prevalence of generalized joint laxity (hypermobility) in 377 individuals with diagnoses of mental health disorders and/or neurodevelopmental conditions was compared to prevalence recorded in the general population. Autonomic symptom burden was compared between hypermobile and non-hypermobile patients. Mediation analysis explored relationships between hypermobility, autonomic dysfunction, and anxiety. Patient participants had elevated prevalence of generalized joint laxity (38%) compared to the general population rate of 19% (odds ratio: 2.54 [95% confidence interval: 2.05, 3.16]). Hypermobile participants reported significantly more autonomic symptoms. Symptoms of orthostatic intolerance mediated the relationship between hypermobility and diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. Patients with mental health disorders and/or neurodevelopmental conditions have high rates of joint hypermobility. Accompanying autonomic dysfunction mediates the association between joint hypermobility and clinical anxiety status. Increased recognition of this association can enhance mechanistic understanding and improve the management of multimorbidity expressed in physical symptoms and mental health difficulties.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction in Parkinsonian syndromes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to outline the clinical presentation, pathophysiology and evaluation of lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction in Parkinson's disease and other parkinsonian syndromes including multiple system atrophy, dementia with Lewy bodies, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration. RECENT FINDINGS: LUT dysfunction commonly occurs in neurological disorders, including patients with parkinsonian syndromes. The pattern of LUT dysfunction and its severity are variable, depending upon the site of lesion within the neural pathways. Parkinsonian syndromes are broadly divided into Parkinson's disease (PD) and a typical parkinsonian syndromes such as multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Different parkinsonian syndromes have distinct clinical features (e.g. dysautonomia, early dementia, supranuclear gaze palsy, higher cortical signs), and the pattern of LUT dysfunction and its severity can differ. CONCLUSIONS: LUT dysfunction is a common feature in patients with parkinsonian syndromes. Recognising the pattern of LUT dysfunction during the assessment of these patients can help management and possibly facilitate an earlier diagnosis.

Biallelic mutations in neurofascin cause neurodevelopmental impairment and peripheral demyelination.

Axon pathfinding and synapse formation are essential processes for nervous system development and function. The assembly of myelinated fibres and nodes of Ranvier is mediated by a number of cell adhesion molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily including neurofascin, encoded by the NFASC gene, and its alternative isoforms Nfasc186 and Nfasc140 (located in the axonal membrane at the node of Ranvier) and Nfasc155 (a glial component of the paranodal axoglial junction). We identified 10 individuals from six unrelated families, exhibiting a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized with a spectrum of central (intellectual disability, developmental delay, motor impairment, speech difficulties) and peripheral (early onset demyelinating neuropathy) neurological involvement, who were found by exome or genome sequencing to carry one frameshift and four different homozygous non-synonymous variants in NFASC. Expression studies using immunostaining-based techniques identified absent expression of the Nfasc155 isoform as a consequence of the frameshift variant and a significant reduction of expression was also observed in association with two non-synonymous variants affecting the fibronectin type III domain. Cell aggregation studies revealed a severely impaired Nfasc155-CNTN1/CASPR1 complex interaction as a result of the identified variants. Immunofluorescence staining of myelinated fibres from two affected individuals showed a severe loss of myelinated fibres and abnormalities in the paranodal junction morphology. Our results establish that recessive variants affecting the Nfasc155 isoform can affect the formation of paranodal axoglial junctions at the nodes of Ranvier. The genetic disease caused by biallelic NFASC variants includes neurodevelopmental impairment and a spectrum of central and peripheral demyelination as part of its core clinical phenotype. Our findings support possible overlapping molecular mechanisms of paranodal damage at peripheral nerves in both the immune-mediated and the genetic disease, but the observation of prominent central neurological involvement in NFASC biallelic variant carriers highlights the importance of this gene in human brain development and function.

Autonomic dysfunction in genetic forms of synucleinopathies.

The discovery of genetic links between alpha-synuclein and PD has opened unprecedented opportunities for research into a new group of diseases, now collectively known as synucleinopathies. Autonomic dysfunction, including cardiac sympathetic denervation, has been reported in familial forms of synucleinopathies that have Lewy bodies at the core of their pathogenesis. SNCA mutations and multiplications, LRRK2 disease with Lewy bodies as well as other common, sporadic forms of idiopathic PD, MSA, pure autonomic failure, and dementia with Lewy bodies have all been associated with dysautonomia. By contrast, in familial cases of parkinsonism without Lewy bodies, such as in PARK2, the autonomic profile remains normal throughout the course of the disease. The degeneration of the central and peripheral autonomic systems in genetic as well as sporadic forms of neurodegenerative synucleinopathies correlates with the accumulation of alpha-synuclein immunoreactive-containing inclusions. Given that dysautonomia has a significant impact on the quality of life of sufferers and autonomic symptoms are generally treatable, a prompt diagnostic testing and treatment should be provided. Moreover, new evidence suggests that autonomic dysfunction can be used as an outcome prediction factor in some forms of synucleinopathies or premotor diagnostic markers that could be used in the future to define further research avenues. In this review, we describe the autonomic dysfunction of genetic synucleinopathies in comparison to the dysautonomia of sporadic forms of alpha-synuclein accumulation and provide the reader with an up-to-date overview of the current understanding in this fast-growing field. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Multiple system atrophy: prognostic indicators of survival.

Neurological and autonomic presentation in multiple system atrophy (MSA) may predict early mortality. Quantification of early autonomic failure as a mortality predictor is lacking. Early neurological and autonomic clinical features were retrospectively reviewed in 49 MSA cases (median age at onset, 56.1 years; 16 women) confirmed by autopsy at Mayo Clinic. When available, the 10-point composite autonomic severity score derived from the autonomic reflex screen provided quantification of the degree of autonomic failure and thermoregulatory sweat test quantitated body surface anhidrosis. Symptoms at onset were autonomic in 50%, parkinsonian in 30%, and cerebellar in 20% of cases. Survival (median [95% confidence interval]) was 8.6 [6.7-10.2] years. Survival was shorter in patients with early laboratory evidence of generalized (composite autonomic severity score ≥ 6) autonomic failure (7.0 [3.9-9.8] vs. 9.8 [4.6-13.8] years; P = 0.036), and early requirement of bladder catheterization (7.3 [3.1-10.2] vs. 13.7 [8.5-14.9] years; P = 0.003) compared with those without these clinical features. On Cox proportional analysis, prognostic indicators of shorter survival were older age at onset (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.04 [1.01-1.08]; P = 0.03), early requirement of bladder catheterization (7.9 [1.88-38.63]; P = 0.004), and early generalized (composite autonomic severity score ≥ 6) autonomic failure (2.8 [1.01-9.26]; P = 0.047). Gender, phenotype, and early development of gait instability, aid-requiring ambulation, orthostatic symptoms, neurogenic bladder, or significant anhidrosis (thermoregulatory sweat test ≥ 40%) were not indicators of shorter survival. Our data suggest that early development of severe generalized autonomic failure more than triples the risk of shorter survival in patients with MSA.

Autonomic dysfunction in parkinsonian disorders: assessment and pathophysiology.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by motor dysfunction (parkinsonism) and several non-motor features. Dysautonomia is a significant non-motor feature as well as a neuropsychiatric symptom. Autonomic dysfunction can occur even in the early stages of PD, often preceding the onset of the classic motor symptoms of PD. The patterns of autonomic features in PD are different from other parkinsonian disorders. Detection of autonomic dysfunction may therefore be helpful in diagnosing PD in the early or pre-motor stages, and/or in differentiating it from other parkinsonian disorders, such as multiple system atrophy and progressive supuranuclear palsy. The aim of this review is to describe aspects of autonomic dysfunction, including symptoms, assessment and pathophysiology, resulting from autonomic impairment in PD and other parkinsonian syndromes.

Autopsy confirmed multiple system atrophy cases: Mayo experience and role of autonomic function tests.

BACKGROUND: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by autonomic failure, manifested as orthostatic hypotension or urogenital dysfunction, with combinations of parkinsonism that is poorly responsive to levodopa, cerebellar ataxia and corticospinal dysfunction. Published autopsy confirmed cases have provided reasonable neurological characterisation but have lacked adequate autonomic function testing. OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively evaluate if the autonomic characterisation of MSA is accurate in autopsy confirmed MSA and if consensus criteria are validated by autopsy confirmation. METHODS: 29 autopsy confirmed cases of MSA evaluated at the Mayo Clinic who had undergone formalised autonomic testing, including adrenergic, sudomotor and cardiovagal functions and Thermoregulatory Sweat Test (TST), from which the Composite Autonomic Severity Score (CASS) was derived, were included in the study. PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: 17 men, 12 women; age of onset 57±8.1 years; disease duration to death 6.5±3.3 years; first symptom autonomic in 18, parkinsonism in seven and cerebellar in two. Clinical phenotype at first visit was MSA-P (predominant parkinsonism) in 18, MSA-C (predominant cerebellar involvement) in eight, pure autonomic failure in two and Parkinson's disease in one. Clinical diagnosis at last visit was MSA for 28 cases. Autonomic failure was severe: CASS was 7.2±2.3 (maximum 10). TST% was 65.6±33.9% and exceeded 30% in 82% of patients. The most common pattern was global anhidrosis. Norepinephrine was normal supine (203.6±112.7) but orthostatic increment of 33.5±23.2% was reduced. Four clinical features (rapid progression, early postural instability, poor levodopa responsiveness and symmetric involvement) were common. CONCLUSION: The pattern of severe and progressive generalised autonomic failure with severe adrenergic and sudomotor failure combined with the clinical phenotype is highly predictive of MSA.

Sudomotor dysfunction in autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy: a follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: We have previously shown that sudomotor dysfunction in autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy is severe, widespread, and predominantly post-ganglionic. However, the long-term changes in sudomotor function have not been studied in detail. Our objective was to characterize the long-term changes in sudomotor dysfunction in patients with autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy. METHODS: Changes in sudomotor function were compared in a cohort of nine α3 nAChR antibody positive autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy patients over an approximate 5-year period. Standard measurements of sudomotor function were used including the thermoregulatory sweat test and quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test. RESULTS: Total body anhidrosis on thermoregulatory sweat testing showed improvement in four of nine patients. Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing for both forearm and foot sites was variable with four of nine patients showing improvement in total sweat output. Distribution of sudomotor dysfunction at follow-up was post-ganglionic in seven of nine patients at the foot site and three of nine patients at the forearm site. Overall, sudomotor dysfunction was post-ganglionic in seven of nine patients throughout the follow-up period (62.4 ± 19.4 months). INTERPRETATION: Sudomotor dysfunction in autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy was severe and widespread throughout the follow-up period for the majority of patients studied. Sudomotor dysfunction was predominantly post-ganglionic throughout the follow-up period.

Autonomic dysfunction after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury: symptom spectrum and clinical testing outcomes.

Background: Survivors of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI) frequently experience troublesome unexplained somatic symptoms. Autonomic dysfunction may contribute to these symptoms. However, there is no previous study of clinical subjective and objective autonomic dysfunction in msTBI. Methods: We present results from two groups of patients with msTBI. The first, a case-control comparative study, comprises prospectively recruited msTBI outpatients, in whom we measured burden of autonomic symptoms using the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS31) questionnaire. The second, a descriptive case series, comprises retrospectively identified msTBI outpatients who had formal clinical autonomic function testing at a national referral autonomics unit. Results: Group 1 comprises 39 patients with msTBI (10F:20M, median age 40 years, range 19-76), median time from injury 19 months (range 6-299) and 44 controls (22F:22M, median age 45, range 25-71). Patients had significantly higher mean weighted total COMPASS-31 score than controls (p<0.001), and higher gastrointestinal, orthostatic and secretomotor subscores (corrected p<0.05). Total COMPASS31 score inversely correlated with subjective rating of general health (p<0.001, rs=-0.84). Group 2 comprises 18 patients with msTBI (7F:11M, median age 44 years, range 21-64), median time from injury 57.5 months (range 2-416). Clinical autonomic function testing revealed a broad spectrum of autonomic dysfunction in 13/18 patients. Conclusions: There is clinically relevant autonomic dysfunction after msTBI, even at the chronic stage. We advocate for routine enquiry about potential autonomic symptoms, and demonstrate the utility of formal autonomic testing in providing diagnoses. Larger prospective studies are warranted, which should explore the causes and clinical correlates of post-TBI autonomic dysfunction.

Postganglionic Sudomotor Assessment in Early Stage of Multiple System Atrophy and Parkinson Disease: A Morpho-functional Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sudomotor impairment has been recognized as a key feature in differentiating Parkinson disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy-parkinsonian type (MSA-P), with the latter characterized by diffuse anhidrosis in prospective study, including patients in late stage of disease. We aimed to evaluate morphologic and functional postganglionic sudomotor involvement in patients with newly diagnosed MSA-P and PD to identify possible biomarkers that might be of help in differentiating the 2 conditions in the early stage. METHODS: One hundred patients with parkinsonism within 2 years from onset of motor symptoms were included in the study. At the time of recruitment, questionnaires to assess nonmotor, autonomic, and small fiber symptoms were administered, and patients underwent postganglionic sudomotor function assessment by the dynamic sweat test and punch skin biopsy from the distal leg. Skin samples were processed for indirect immunofluorescence with a panel of antibodies, including noradrenergic and cholinergic markers. The density of intraepidermal, sudomotor, and pilomotor nerve fibers was measured on confocal images with dedicated software. A follow-up visit 12 months after recruitment was performed to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: We recruited 57 patients with PD (M/F 36/21, age 63.5 ± 9.4 years) and 43 patients with MSA-P (M/F 27/16, age 62.3 ± 9.0 years). Clinical scales and questionnaires showed a more severe clinical picture in patients with MSA-P compared to those with PD. Sweating output and intraepidermal, pilomotor, and sudomotor nerve densities, compared to controls, were lower in both groups but with a greater impairment in patients with MSA-P. Pilomotor and sudomotor nerve density correlated with sweating function and with nonmotor clinical symptoms. A composite sudomotor parameter defined as the arithmetic product of sweat production multiplied by the density of sudomotor fibers efficiently separated the 2 populations; the receiver operating characteristics curve showed an area under the curve of 0.83. DISCUSSION: Dynamic sweat test and the quantification of cutaneous autonomic nerves proved to be a sensitive morpho-functional approach to assess the postganglionic component of the sudomotor pathway, revealing a more severe involvement in MSA-P than in PD early in the disease course. This approach can be applied to differentiate the 2 conditions early. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that postganglionic sudomotor morpho-functional assessment accurately distinguish patients with PD from patients with MSA-P.