Objective: This study aimed to evaluate optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients, with a focus on disease subtypes, clinical correlations, and the association with presynaptic dopaminergic degeneration.

Background: Multiple system atrophy is a disease characterized by neuronal loss and gliosis in multiple regions of the central nervous system. The identification of sensitive biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring disease progression in MSA is crucial. OCT, a noninvasive imaging technique, has shown promise in reflecting pathological changes in the central nervous system. However, there is still a need to investigate OCT findings in MSA patients, particularly regarding disease subtypes and the correlation with clinical assessments and dopaminergic degeneration.

Method: A total of 26 MSA patients and 23 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for this study. OCT imaging was performed to assess retinal parameters, including macular thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. Clinical evaluations were conducted to assess motor and nonmotor symptoms. Additionally, presynaptic dopaminergic degeneration was evaluated using dopamine transporter positron emission tomography (DAT PET).

Results: The OCT analysis revealed significant differences in retinal parameters between MSA patients and HCs. MSA patients exhibited retinal thinning, particularly in the macula and RNFL regions. Furthermore, differences in retinal thickness were observed between MSA subtypes and controls. Clinical assessments demonstrated correlations between OCT findings and disease severity, as well as motor and nonmotor symptoms. The analysis of presynaptic dopaminergic degeneration using DAT PET showed associations with OCT findings.

Conclusion: This study provides insights into OCT findings in MSA patients, highlighting retinal thinning as a potential biomarker for this disease. The observed differences among MSA subtypes and controls underscore the importance of considering disease heterogeneity. The correlations between OCT findings and clinical assessments, along with the association with presynaptic dopaminergic degeneration, further support the utility of OCT in diagnosing and monitoring disease progression in MSA.

Correlations Retina and DAT

Correlations between Retina and Clinical

Canonical Correlation Analysis

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/optical-coherence-tomography-findings-in-multiple-system-atrophy-insights-into-disease-subtypes-clinical-correlations-and-dopaminergic-degeneration/