MSA CenterS of excellence
Publications
Our Centers of Excellence are at the heart of MSA research, conducting studies that shape the future of diagnosis, care, and treatment. This work represents the dedication of scientists, clinicians, and patients working together to change the future of MSA.
The MSA Atrophy Index (MSA-AI): An Imaging Marker for Diagnosis and Clinical Progression in Multiple System Atrophy
This work proposes a new MSA index, the MSA Atrophy Index (MSA-AI), which is a novel neuroimaging measure to distinguish MSA from related disorders and monitor disease progression. Results from this work show that the MSA-AI is a promising imaging biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring disease progression in MSA.
MSA Center of Excellence:
The landscape of interdisciplinary care for atypical parkinsonism: A qualitative study from the CurePSP Centers of Care
This was a qualitative study describing different interdisciplinary care models currently available that serve patients with atypical parkinsonism, including MSA, among multiple CurePSP Centers of Care.
MSA Center of Excellence:
Serious Illness Conversation in the Care of Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders: A Practical Guide for Neurology Clinicians
Better communication between healthcare team and indiviuals with APD will help advance patient centered care. We developed a practical Serious illness conversation (SIC) guide tailored to the needs of individuals with Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders (APD).
MSA Center of Excellence:
Sensitivity and specificity of a seed amplification assay for diagnosis of multiple system atrophy: a multicentre cohort study
A new laboratory test called the seed amplification assay (synSAA) can help diagnose multiple system atrophy by detecting characteristic abnormal proteins in spinal fluid samples; in a large international study, the test showed good sensitivity (87%) and moderate specificity (77%) for identifying the disease, suggesting it could aid early and accurate diagnosis but requires additional validation.
MSA Center of Excellence:
Rates of change of pons and middle cerebellar peduncle diameters are diagnostic of multiple system atrophy of the cerebellar type.
We hypothesized that rates of change of pons and middle cerebellar peduncle diameters on MRI would be unique to MSA-C and serve as diagnostic biomarkers. In the correct clinical context, an anterior-posterior pons and transverse middle cerebellar peduncle diameter decline of ∼0.8 mm/year is sufficient for and diagnostic of MSA-C.
MSA Center of Excellence: