Cutaneous phosphorylated-synuclein: an early diagnostic biomarker for pure autonomic failure.

Background: Pure autonomic failure (PAF) presents with progressive autonomic failure without other neurological features. Atypical presentations may lead to diagnostic uncertainty. We studied whether cutaneous phosphorylated-alpha-synuclein (p-syn) could distinguish between PAF, multiple system atrophy (MSA) and non-synucleinopathy-related autonomic failure, and examined its relationship with quantitative markers of cardiovascular autonomic failure.

Autonomic nervous system education in Europe: EAN/EFAS/INUS survey on curricula and skills in autonomic medicine of European neurology residents and consultants.

Background And Purpose: Centers for training in autonomic nervous system (ANS) disorders are not widely available and the recent coronavirus 2019 pandemic temporarily reduced training opportunities in autonomic medicine across European countries. Here we evaluated the current state of education, clinical skills and postgraduate educational preferences on ANS disorders of European neurology residents and consultants.

Methods: A 23-item questionnaire was developed and distributed online amongst European neurology residents and consultants via mailing lists of the European Academy of Neurology.

Pelvic autonomic dysfunction is common in patients with pure autonomic failure.

Background And Purpose: Pure autonomic failure (PAF) presents primarily as cardiovascular autonomic failure and may phenoconvert to other neurodegenerative disorders. However, the involvement of other autonomic functions has been poorly evaluated. This study aims to characterize genitourinary and bowel dysfunction and explore their relationship with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.

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.