Takayoshi Shimohata1, Naotaka Aizawa2, Hideaki Nakayama3, Hiroshige Taniguchi4, Yasuyoshi Ohshima5, Hitoshi Okumura6, Tetsuya Takahashi7, Akio Yokoseki8, Makoto Inoue9, Masatoyo Nishizawa7. 1. Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Aahimachi-dori 1-757, Chuo-ku, 951-8585, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan. Electronic address: t-shimo@bri.niigata-u.ac.jp. 2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Uonuma Institute of Community Medicine, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Minami-uonuma, Japan. 3. Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan. 4. Department of Dentistry, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan. 5. Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan. 6. Division of Otolaryngology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan. 7. Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Aahimachi-dori 1-757, Chuo-ku, 951-8585, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan. 8. Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Resource Branch for Brain Disease Research, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan. 9. Division of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sudden death in multiple system atrophy (MSA) usually occurs during sleep and was therefore attributed to suffocation resulting from vocal cord abductor paralysis, a characteristic laryngeal finding of MSA. This led to the use of tracheostomy and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) for the prevention of sudden death. However, neither method has been able to prevent sudden death, and both have occasionally precipitated treatment-related complications, including central sleep apneas and exacerbation of floppy epiglottis. Therefore, it is important to determine the mechanisms and prevention of sudden death in MSA. METHODS: We reviewed the literature on the mechanisms and prevention of sudden death in patients with MSA. RESULTS: Sudden death in MSA is hypothesized to be a consequence of disordered central respiration, suffocation caused by sputum and food, upper airway obstruction from NPPV acting on a floppy epiglottis, cardiac autonomic disturbance, or a combination of these factors. CONCLUSION: Various factors may be involved in the mechanism of sudden death in MSA. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to prevent sudden death, and this requires an organized system of several medical specialties. Neurologists require a cooperative network that includes experts in otorhinolaryngology, sleep medicine, dysphagia rehabilitation, and cardiology.
BACKGROUND:Sudden death in multiple system atrophy (MSA) usually occurs during sleep and was therefore attributed to suffocation resulting from vocal cord abductor paralysis, a characteristic laryngeal finding of MSA. This led to the use of tracheostomy and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) for the prevention of sudden death. However, neither method has been able to prevent sudden death, and both have occasionally precipitated treatment-related complications, including central sleep apneas and exacerbation of floppy epiglottis. Therefore, it is important to determine the mechanisms and prevention of sudden death in MSA. METHODS: We reviewed the literature on the mechanisms and prevention of sudden death in patients with MSA. RESULTS:Sudden death in MSA is hypothesized to be a consequence of disordered central respiration, suffocation caused by sputum and food, upper airway obstruction from NPPV acting on a floppy epiglottis, cardiac autonomic disturbance, or a combination of these factors. CONCLUSION: Various factors may be involved in the mechanism of sudden death in MSA. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to prevent sudden death, and this requires an organized system of several medical specialties. Neurologists require a cooperative network that includes experts in otorhinolaryngology, sleep medicine, dysphagia rehabilitation, and cardiology.