Do visual-evoked potentials and spatiotemporal contrast sensitivity help to distinguish idiopathic Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy?

A large number of patients with Parkinson's disease were reported to have abnormal visual-evoked potentials (VEPs) and spatiotemporal contrast sensitivity (STCS) suggesting dopaminergic deficiency in the visual pathway, probably the retina. Until now, VEPs and STCS have not been studied in multiple system atrophy (MSA). We investigated 12 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) and 12 patients with MSA.

Sympathetic skin response and R-R interval variability in multiple system atrophy and idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

We compared autonomic function in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) or with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) by measuring sympathetic skin response (SSR) and R-R interval variability (RRIV). SSR was investigated in 26 patients (13 with MSA and 13 patients with IPD). RRIV during deep breathing, Valsalva maneuver, and on standing was investigated in 20 patients (nine with MSA and 11 with IPD).

Octreotide effects on orthostatic hypotension in patients with multiple system atrophy: a controlled study of acute administration.

In nine patients with orthostatic hypotension due to multiple system atrophy, the effects of octreotide (100 micrograms s.c.), a somatostatin analogue, on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and norepinephrine (NE) plasma levels after 60 degrees head up tilt test were evaluated by a randomly controlled study.

Octreotide in the management of orthostatic hypotension in multiple system atrophy: pilot trial of chronic administration.

The aim of the study was to determine the potential effect of octreotide chronic administration on the functional prognosis of patients suffering from multiple system atrophy (MSA) with orthostatic hypotension (OH). Five patients received octreotide (100 micrograms s.c.