Somatic and autonomic function in progressive autonomic failure and multiple system atrophy.

We studied 62 consecutive patients with progressive autonomic failure (PAF) or multiple system atrophy (MSA) (26 PAF; 36 MSA). Patients were well matched in age (67 vs 66 years), duration (39 vs 36 months), and severity of autonomic failure (median values for PAF and MSA). Peripheral somatic neuropathy occurred in 2 patients with PAF and 7 patients with MSA. Postganglionic sudomotor and vasomotor functions were studied using the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test and supine plasma norepinephrine. The extent and severity of autonomic failure were assessed by the thermoregulatory sweat test, by heart rate responses to deep breathing and the Valsalva maneuver, and by blood pressure recordings. Severe and widespread anhidrosis was found in both PAF and MSA patients. Postganglionic sudomotor failure occurred at the forearm in 50% each of PAF and MSA patients and at the foot in 69% and 66% of PAF and MSA patients, respectively. However, postganglionic sudomotor function was preserved in some patients with anhidrosis on thermoregulatory sweat test, indicating a preganglionic lesion. Vagal abnormalities were found in 77% and 81% of PAF and MSA patients. Supine plasma free norepinephrine values were significantly reduced in PAF (p less than 0.001), but not in MSA, patients. Standing plasma norepinephrine values were reduced in both PAF (p less than 0.001) and MSA (p less than 0.001) patients. We conclude the following: (1) PAF is characterized by combined postganglionic sudomotor and adrenergic failure. (2) MSA is associated with a similar frequency of postganglionic sudomotor failure, but postganglionic adrenergic denervation was uncommon. (3) Preganglionic neuron is also involved in both disorders, but more severely in MSA. (4) Somatic neuropathy may occur.