Urodynamic and neurophysiological evaluation in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy

Videourodynamics - role, benefits and optimal practice

Videourodynamics (VUDS) is an advanced diagnostic procedure that simultaneously combines functional and anatomical evaluation of the lower urinary tract. The goal of this synchronous assessment is to promote accurate diagnosis of the aetiology responsible for patient symptoms, improving therapeutic decision-making. Overall, high-quality VUDS is advocated when other tests such as traditional urodynamics might not provide sufficient data to guide therapy, particularly in patients with complex, persistent or recurrent dysfunctions of the lower urinary tract. Additionally, VUDS is often crucial in the follow-up monitoring of many patients with these dysfunctions. A VUDS study is frequently considered a gold standard in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, female bladder outlet obstruction or congenital anomalies of the lower urinary tract. Nevertheless, this specialized test should be limited to patients in whom VUDS data add value. Particularly, reliable studies comparing the effect of diagnosis with and without imaging on management outcomes are lacking, and no standardized procedures for undertaking VUDS are available. Additionally, patients should be carefully selected for VUDS evaluation, considering the increased cost and risks associated with radiological imaging. In routine practice, clinicians should balance the additional value of synchronous imaging and the enhanced diagnostic precision of VUDS against the limitations of this approach, which mainly include an uncertain effect of VUDS on final treatment outcomes.

Can We Differentiate Between Organic and Functional Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Males With Parkinson's Disease?

OBJECTIVES

To determine the type of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A case-control study was carried out in 46 patients divided into two groups. Group 1 formed by 23 PD patients with BOO (a URA parameter ≥ 29 cm H2O). Group 2 formed by 23 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and compressive obstruction (an opening pressure > 35 cm H2O) and URA parameter ≥ 29 cm H2O). Both groups underwent a pressure-flow study to calculate Dynamic Urethral Resistance Relationship (DURR) patterns. Based on previous research, we describe two types of DURR pattern. Pattern A typical of dynamic or functional obstruction and pattern B typical of static or organic obstruction.

RESULTS

We found that PD patients had a significantly higher frequency of pattern A (70%) than BPH patients (4%). Other significant differences between groups were age (greater in PD group), bladder compliance (greater in PD group), maximum flow rate [Qmax (greater in BPH group)], maximum detrusor pressure [Pmax (greater in BPH group)], detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate [PQmax (greater in BPH group)], opening detrusor pressure (greater in BPH group), and the bladder contractility parameters BCI and Wmax (greater in BPH group). There were no significant differences in perineal voiding electromyography (EMG) activity between groups nor relationship between voiding EMG activity and the type of DURR pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results are consistent with the usefulness of the DURR pattern to differentiate between functional and organic BOO in PD patients. Most PD patients have functional obstruction although a minority has organic obstruction consistent with BPH.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction in the central nervous system neurogenic bladder and the real-life treatment outcome of botulinum toxin A

Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) is common in patients with central nervous system (CNS) lesions. Cases of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), Parkinson's disease, dementia, and other intracranial lesions develop poor bladder control with or without urinary difficulty due to loss of cortical perception of bladder filling sensation and poor coordination of urethral sphincter relaxation during reflex micturition. Patients with CNS lesions usually have overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, including urgency, frequency, incontinence, voiding symptoms of dysuria, large postvoid residual volume, and retention. In elderly patients with severe CNS disease the OAB symptoms are usually difficult to adequately relieve by medical treatment, and thus, their quality of life is greatly. Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) is currently licensed and has been applied in patients with idiopathic and neurogenic OAB due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. However, the application of BoNT-A in the treatment of urinary incontinence due to NLUTD in chronic CNS lesions has not been well-documented. Although cohort studies and case series support BoNT-A treatment for neurogenic OAB, chronic urine retention after intravesical BoNT-A injection for OAB and exacerbated urinary incontinence after urethral BoNT-A injection for voiding dysfunction have greatly limited its application among patients with NLUTD due to CNS lesions. This article reviews the pathophysiology and clinical characteristics of NLUTD in patients with CNS lesions and the clinical effects and adverse events of BoNT-A injection for patients with NLUTD. A flowchart was created to outline the patient selection and treatment strategy for neurogenic OAB.

Urodynamic Study in Multiple System Atrophy: A Retrospective Observational Study

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of neurogenic bladder in patients with multiple systemic atrophy and distinguish between cerebellar and parkinsonian-type urodynamic patterns. We reviewed 19 patients diagnosed with multiple systemic atrophy with low urinary tract symptoms who underwent an urodynamic study at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital between March 2010 and February 2022. This study did not account for the differences observed between the multiple system atrophy subtypes in the voiding phase. Urodynamic study is an effective tool to understand the complicated bladder pattern in patients with multiple system atrophy.

Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary incontinence and retention in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common non-motor symptoms but are often overlooked in Parkinson's disease (PD). The prevalence of LUTS in PD is inconsistent among different studies.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of LUTS, urinary incontinence, and urinary retention in PD patients, then, investigate potential sources of inconsistency in prevalence estimation.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from inception to May 2022. Studies reporting the prevalence of LUTS or LUTS subtypes in PD were included. Pooled prevalence of LUTS, LUTS subtypes, urinary incontinence, and urinary retention was calculated via random-effects models. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed.

Results

Of 7,358 studies after duplicate removal, a total of 73 studies comprising 14,937 PD patients were included. The pooled prevalence of LUTS was 61% (95% CI 53–69; 27 studies; n = 5,179), while the pooled prevalence of storage symptoms and voiding symptoms was 59% (44–73; 9 studies; n = 798) and 24% (14–33; 11 studies; n = 886), respectively. The pooled prevalence of urinary incontinence, retention and post-void residual (PVR) volume ≥ 100 ml were 30% (95% CI 22–39; 21 studies; n = 6,054), 27% (17–37; 14 studies; n = 1,991), and 4% (1–7; 5 studies; n = 439), respectively. The prevalence of LUTS, urinary incontinence, or urinary retention was significantly associated with diagnostic methods.

Conclusion

LUTS and its subtypes present in a significant proportion of PD patients. It is necessary to use standardized and validated methods to detect and screen LUTS and its subtypes.

Systematic review registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022311233, Identifier: CRD42022311233.

Treatment outcomes of detrusor underactivity in women based on clinical and videourodynamic characteristics

PURPOSE

Treatment of voiding dysfunction due to detrusor underactivity (DU) remains challenging. This study sought to determine the characteristics of video urodynamic study (VUDS) in female DU and outcomes after active treatment.

METHODS

A total of 409 female patients with VUDS-proven DU were recruited. All patients received conservative bladder management, with others receiving active treatment, such as oral medication, transurethral incision of bladder neck (TUI-BN), surgery for prolapse, and urethral botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection, according to their VUDS characteristics. Treatment outcomes were then analyzed by different VUDS characteristics.

RESULTS

Satisfactory treatment outcomes were noted in 123 patients (30.0%), among whom 35 and 88 had a VE of > 90% and > 66.7%, respectively. A total of 165 patients (40.3%) had voiding efficiency (VE) of 33.3-66.7%, whereas 121 (29.6%) remained unable to void (12.5%) or had a VE of < 33.3% (17.1%). Conservative treatment had the worst outcome. Patients with normal or slightly reduced bladder sensation (49.3%) and those with a post-void residual (PVR) of < 250 mL (59.4%) displayed better satisfactory outcome after treatment; while TUI-BN and urethral BoNT-A injection promoted better treatment results. Patients with detrusor acontractility and a PVR of ≥ 500 mL still achieved high VE rates (> 66.7%) after TUI-BN. A 56.3% satisfactory outcome was achieved after TUI-BN, whereas 58.1% satisfactory outcome was noted in those with a tight external sphincter after medical treatment.

CONCLUSION

Female patients with DU exhibited VE improvement after active treatment. Patients with very low detrusor contractility and absent bladder sensation generally exhibited poor treatment outcomes.

Sleep and Autonomic Manifestations in Parkinson’s Disease Complicated With Probable Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) complicated with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) present with distinct clinical features. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical features of sleep and autonomic symptoms in PD patients with probable RBD (pRBD). The study included 126 patients with PD. pRBD was defined as having a history of dream-enacting behavior with a total score of 5 or greater on the Japanese version of the RBD Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ-J). The Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale-2 (PDSS-2) was used to evaluate sleep disturbances. Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson’s Disease-Autonomic dysfunction (SCOPA-AUT) were used to evaluate autonomic symptoms. Clinical assessments included disease severity, motor symptoms, olfaction, depression, cognitive function, levodopa equivalent dose (LED), and cardiac metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy. Correlations between RBDSQ-J total scores and clinical variables were analyzed. Compared to PD patients without pRBD, PD patients with pRBD showed severe hyposmia, severe sleep-related symptoms, severe dysautonomia, and more reduced cardiac MIBG scintigraphy. Within the PDSS-2, the “PD symptoms at night” domain was significantly more severe in PD patients with pRBD. Within the SCOPA-AUT, the “urinary” and “cardiovascular” domains were significantly higher in PD patients with pRBD. In correlation analyses, RBDSQ-J total scores were positively correlated with PDSS-2 total scores, “PD symptoms at night” and “disturbed sleep” domains, Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores, SCOPA-AUT total scores, “urinary,” “cardiovascular,” and “thermo” domain scores, and LED. RBDSQ-J total scores were negatively correlated with cardiac MIBG scintigraphy uptake. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that PDSS-2 subitem 7 (distressing hallucinations) and SCOPA-AUT subitem 11 (weak stream of urine) were significant determinants for pRBD. Our study showed that PD patients with pRBD had characteristic sleep and autonomic symptoms.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of External Anal Sphincter EMG Patterns in Multiple System Atrophy

Background

It is debated whether external anal sphincter (EAS) electromyography can distinguish between multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease (PD), whereas its usefulness for MSA prognosis is unknown.

Objectives

We explored the diagnostic and prognostic value and clinical correlations of EAS electromyography patterns in MSA.

Methods

We collected clinical data and EAS electromyography findings in 72 patients with MSA and 21 with PD.

Results

We identified four EAS patterns. The normal pattern was frequently observed in PD and associated with prolonged survival when identified in MSA. Abnormal patterns were predominant in MSA. The most severe pattern was associated with the highest likelihood of MSA diagnosis and with the worst prognosis in the MSA cohort. MSA patients with EAS abnormalities often showed urogenital symptoms and fecal incontinence.

Conclusions

The increasing severity of EAS electromyography patterns paralleled diagnostic accuracy and survival in MSA, and correlated with prevalence of bladder and bowel symptoms. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

Therapeutic outcome of active management in male patients with detrusor underactivity based on clinical diagnosis and videourodynamic classification

Detrusor underactivity (DU) could be resulted from many different etiologies. Patients with DU might have reduced bladder sensation, low detrusor contractility, and large post-void residual volume. This study analyzed therapeutic outcome of active management for male DU patients, based on clinical and urodynamic characteristics. Male DU patients aged > 18 years old were retrospectively reviewed from the videourodynamic study (VUDS) records in recent 10 years. The patients’ demographics, VUDS results, treatment modalities, and treatment outcome were analyzed. The treatment outcomes were compared among patients with different DU subgroups, clinical diagnosis and treatment modalities. Patients with voiding efficiency of > 66.7% were considered having a successful treatment outcome. For comparison, 30 men with normal VUDS finding served as the control arm. Most of the DU patients had reduced bladder sensation. The reduced bladder sensation is closely associated with low detrusor contractility. After active treatment, a successful outcome was achieved in 68.4% of patients after bladder outlet surgery, 59.1% after urethral botulinum toxin A injection, and 57.6% after medical treatment, but only 18.2% after conservative treatment. A successful treatment outcome was achieved in patients with an intact detrusor contractility, either low (69.2%) or normal voiding pressure (81.8%), and in patients with a normal or increased bladder sensation (78.1%). However, patients with detrusor acontractile (41.3%) or absent bladder sensation (17.9%) had less favorable treatment outcome after any kind of urological management. This study revealed that active management can effectively improve voiding efficiency in patients with DU. The normal bladder sensation, presence of adequate detrusor contractility, and bladder outlet narrowing during VUDS provide effective treatment strategy for DU patients. Among all management, BOO surgery provides the best treatment outcome.

Urinary Tract Infection in Parkinson's Disease

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common precipitant of acute neurological deterioration in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and a leading cause of delirium, functional decline, falls, and hospitalization. Various clinical features of PD including autonomic dysfunction and altered urodynamics, frailty and cognitive impairment, and the need for bladder catheterization contribute to an increased risk of UTI. Sepsis due to UTI is a feared consequence of untreated or undertreated UTI and a leading cause of morbidity in PD. Emerging research suggests that immune-mediated brain injury may underlie the pathogenesis of UTI-induced deterioration of PD symptoms. Existing strategies to prevent UTI in patients with PD include use of topical estrogen, prophylactic supplements, antibiotic bladder irrigation, clean catheterization techniques, and prophylactic oral antibiotics, while bacterial interference and vaccines/immunostimulants directed against common UTI pathogens are potentially emerging strategies that are currently under investigation. Future research is needed to mitigate the deleterious effects of UTI in PD.

Urodynamic Evaluation in Multiple System Atrophy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Urological dysfunction in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) is one of the main manifestations of autonomic failure. Urodynamic examination is clinically relevant since underlying pathophysiology of lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction can be variable.

Objective

Evaluation of the pathophysiology of urological symptoms and exploration of differences in urodynamic patterns of LUT dysfunction between MSA-P and MSA-C.

Methods

Retrospective study of patients with possible and probable MSA who were referred for urodynamic studies between 2004 and 2019. Demographic data, medical history, physical examination and urodynamic studies assessing storage and voiding dysfunction were obtained.

Results

Seventy-four patients were included in this study (MSA-P 64.9% n = 48; median age 62.5 (IQR 56.8-70) years). Detrusor overactivity during filling phase was noted in 58.1% (n = 43) of the patients. In the voiding phase, detrusor sphincter dyssynergia and detrusor underactivity were observed in 24.6% (n = 17) and in 62.1% (n = 41) of the patients, respectively. A postmicturition residual volume of over 100 ml was present in 71.4% (n = 50) of the patients. Comparison of MSA subtypes showed weaker detrusor contractility in MSA-P compared to MSA-C [pdetQmax 26.2 vs. 34.4 cmH20, P = 0.04]. In 56.2% (n = 41) of patients pathophysiology of LUT dysfunction was deemed to be neurogenic and consistent with the diagnosis of MSA. In 35.6% (n = 26) urodynamic pattern suggested other urological co-morbidities.

Conclusion

Urodynamic evaluation is an important tool to analyze the pattern of LUT dysfunction in MSA. Impaired detrusor contractility was seen more in MSA-P which needs to be investigated in further studies.

The relationship between lower urinary tract function and 123ioflupane scintigraphy in drug-naïve Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVES

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common degenerative cause of movement disorder, and autonomic dysfunction has been recognized in this disorder. PD patients' lower urinary tract (LUT) function is not established. We investigated LUT function in PD by single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) imaging of the dopamine transporter with ¹²³I-ioflupane and clinical-urodynamic observations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 30 patients diagnosed with PD based on published criteria who completed a systematized lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) questionnaire and a urodynamics examination irrespective of the presence of LUTS. None of the patients were taking anti-parkinsonian medication during the study.

RESULTS

The questionnaire revealed that all 30 patients had LUTS: night-time urinary frequency (in 70%), urinary incontinence (40%), and daytime urinary frequency (80%). A urodynamic study revealed a mean volume at the first sensation at 92.3 ml, bladder capacity at 200.9 ml, and detrusor overactivity in 50%. Sphincter electromyography revealed neurogenic change in 13.6% of those for whom the test was performed. The average SBR showed a significant correlation with bladder capacity (Spearman's correlation coefficient p = 0.0076) and Hoehn Yahr motor stage (Spearman's correlation coefficient p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that the striatum is relevant to the higher control of storage in micturition function in PD.

Autonomic Dysfunctions in Parkinson's Disease: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, Potential Diagnostic Markers, and Treatment

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in the middle-aged and the elderly. Symptoms of autonomic dysfunctions are frequently seen in PD patients, severely affecting the quality of life. This review summarizes the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment options of autonomic dysfunctions. The clinical significance of autonomic dysfunctions in PD early diagnosis and differential diagnosis is also discussed.

The voiding efficiency in rat models with dopaminergic brain lesions induced through unilateral and bilateral intrastriatal injections

Bladder dysfunction is a common phenomenon in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. A research attempt was made to analyze the voiding efficiency (VE) and bladder functions in rats with PD induced by unilateral or bilateral injections of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle. PD rats were divided into unilateral- and bilateral-injected groups and subjected to rotation and beam walking tests. Further, the experimental rats underwent cystometric measurements for analyses of bladder dysfunction and VE. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to analyze the dopaminergic neuron depletion on the target area. Outcomes of the rotation and beam walking tests revealed the extent of parkinsonism in the experimental rats. Urodynamic observations denoted that rats with unilateral PD exhibited a significantly decreased VE (from 68.3±3.5% to 32.7±5.8%), while rats with bilateral PD displayed a much-reduced and substantially lower level of VE of 18.3±5.1% compared to the control value and to that of rats with unilateral PD. Rats with bilateral PD showed more-extensive behavioral deficits and urodynamic changes than did rats with unilateral PD. These significant changes in motor, behavioral, bladder function and VE were due to an extensive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region on both sides of the brain. The obtained results were substantiated with appropriate immunohistochemical results.

Autonomic Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease

Recognition of the importance of nonmotor dysfunction as a component of Parkinson's disease has exploded over the past three decades. Autonomic dysfunction is a frequent and particularly important nonmotor feature because of the broad clinical spectrum it covers. Cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, urinary, sexual, and thermoregulatory abnormalities all can appear in the setting of Parkinson's disease. Cardiovascular dysfunction is characterized most prominently by orthostatic hypotension. Gastrointestinal dysfunction can involve virtually all levels of the gastrointestinal tract. Urinary dysfunction can entail either too frequent voiding or difficulty voiding. Sexual dysfunction is frequent and frustrating for both patient and partner. Alterations in sweating and body temperature are not widely recognized but often are present. Autonomic dysfunction can significantly and deleteriously impact quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Because effective treatment for many aspects of autonomic dysfunction is available, it is vitally important that assessment of autonomic dysfunction be a regular component of the neurologic history and exam and that appropriate treatment be initiated and maintained.

[Is there any obstruction other than prostatic obstruction in Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease?]

OBJECTIVE

To highlight the existence of pseudo-dyssynergia in Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (IPD) constituting a functional bladder outlet obstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted by including men with a confirmed diagnose of IPD who participated in the SIROCCO rehabilitation program. Patients included clinically exhibited overactive bladder and voiding dysfunction without prostatic hypertrophy ultrasounded. They have been clinically assessed by the Urinary Symptoms Profile (USP) urinary symptom score. Bladder outlet obstruction was assessed by the pressure-flow study. Urodynamic obstruction has been quantified by the bladder obstruction index which depends on detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate and maximum flow rate. It has been defined by a BOOI>40.

RESULTS

The pressure-flow profile was analyzed in 5 patients who met the inclusion criteria. In this group of 5 patients with IPD, the diagnosis was made on average 10.6 years (7-14) before the pressure-flow studies were performed. Our results objectified 4 patients obstructive among 5 and one equivocal patient. A striated pseudo-dyssynergia was found in the 3 obstructive patients and associated with a smooth pseudodyssynergia in one patient.

CONCLUSION

We have observed, in this short series, a pseudo-dyssynergia by subjects suffering from IPD.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Autonomic dysfunction in genetic forms of synucleinopathies

The discovery of genetic links between alpha-synuclein and PD has opened unprecedented opportunities for research into a new group of diseases, now collectively known as synucleinopathies. Autonomic dysfunction, including cardiac sympathetic denervation, has been reported in familial forms of synucleinopathies that have Lewy bodies at the core of their pathogenesis. SNCA mutations and multiplications, LRRK2 disease with Lewy bodies as well as other common, sporadic forms of idiopathic PD, MSA, pure autonomic failure, and dementia with Lewy bodies have all been associated with dysautonomia. By contrast, in familial cases of parkinsonism without Lewy bodies, such as in PARK2, the autonomic profile remains normal throughout the course of the disease. The degeneration of the central and peripheral autonomic systems in genetic as well as sporadic forms of neurodegenerative synucleinopathies correlates with the accumulation of alpha-synuclein immunoreactive-containing inclusions. Given that dysautonomia has a significant impact on the quality of life of sufferers and autonomic symptoms are generally treatable, a prompt diagnostic testing and treatment should be provided. Moreover, new evidence suggests that autonomic dysfunction can be used as an outcome prediction factor in some forms of synucleinopathies or premotor diagnostic markers that could be used in the future to define further research avenues. In this review, we describe the autonomic dysfunction of genetic synucleinopathies in comparison to the dysautonomia of sporadic forms of alpha-synuclein accumulation and provide the reader with an up-to-date overview of the current understanding in this fast-growing field. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Clinical neurophysiology of multiple system atrophy

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an adult-onset, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative syndrome. The diagnosis of MSA is primarily clinical. Neurophysiologic studies can provide important clues to the diagnosis of MSA and differentiate it from other neurodegenerative diseases especially when the clinical picture is unclear. This chapter reviews common and less common neurophysiological studies useful in the diagnosis of MSA.

Neurophysiology of the pelvic floor in clinical practice: a systematic literature review

Neurophysiological testing of the pelvic floor is recognized as an essential tool to identify pathophysiological mechanisms of pelvic floor disorders, support clinical diagnosis, and aid in therapeutic decisions. Nevertheless, the diagnostic value of these tests in specific neurological diseases of the pelvic floor is not completely clarified. Seeking to fill this gap, the members of the Neurophysiology of the Pelvic Floor Study Group of the Italian Clinical Neurophysiology Society performed a systematic review of the literature to gather available evidence for and against the utility of neurophysiological tests. Our findings confirm the utility of some tests in specific clinical conditions [e.g. concentric needle electromyography, evaluation of sacral reflexes and of pudendal somatosensory evoked potentials (pSEPs) in cauda equina and conus medullaris lesions, and evaluation of pSEPs and perineal sympathetic skin response in spinal cord lesions], and support their use in clinical practice. Other tests, particularly those not currently supported by high-level evidence, when employed in individual patients, should be evaluated in the overall clinical context, or otherwise used for research purposes.

Diagnosis of multiple system atrophy

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) may be difficult to distinguish clinically from other disorders, particularly in the early stages of the disease. An autonomic-only presentation can be indistinguishable from pure autonomic failure. Patients presenting with parkinsonism may be misdiagnosed as having Parkinson disease. Patients presenting with the cerebellar phenotype of MSA can mimic other adult-onset ataxias due to alcohol, chemotherapeutic agents, lead, lithium, and toluene, or vitamin E deficiency, as well as paraneoplastic, autoimmune, or genetic ataxias. A careful medical history and meticulous neurological examination remain the cornerstone for the accurate diagnosis of MSA. Ancillary investigations are helpful to support the diagnosis, rule out potential mimics, and define therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes diagnostic investigations useful in the differential diagnosis of patients with suspected MSA. Currently used techniques include structural and functional brain imaging, cardiac sympathetic imaging, cardiovascular autonomic testing, olfactory testing, sleep study, urological evaluation, and dysphagia and cognitive assessments. Despite advances in the diagnostic tools for MSA in recent years and the availability of consensus criteria for clinical diagnosis, the diagnostic accuracy of MSA remains sub-optimal. As other diagnostic tools emerge, including skin biopsy, retinal biomarkers, blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, and advanced genetic testing, a more accurate and earlier recognition of MSA should be possible, even in the prodromal stages. This has important implications as misdiagnosis can result in inappropriate treatment, patient and family distress, and erroneous eligibility for clinical trials of disease-modifying drugs.

Treatment of autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson disease and other synucleinopathies

Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system afflicts most patients with Parkinson disease and other synucleinopathies such as dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, and pure autonomic failure, reducing quality of life and increasing mortality. For example, gastrointestinal dysfunction can lead to impaired drug pharmacodynamics causing a worsening in motor symptoms, and neurogenic orthostatic hypotension can cause syncope, falls, and fractures. When recognized, autonomic problems can be treated, sometimes successfully. Discontinuation of potentially causative/aggravating drugs, patient education, and nonpharmacological approaches are useful and should be tried first. Pathophysiology-based pharmacological treatments that have shown efficacy in controlled trials of patients with synucleinopathies have been approved in many countries and are key to an effective management. Here, we review the treatment of autonomic dysfunction in patients with Parkinson disease and other synucleinopathies, summarize the nonpharmacological and current pharmacological therapeutic strategies including recently approved drugs, and provide practical advice and management algorithms for clinicians, with focus on neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, supine hypertension, dysphagia, sialorrhea, gastroparesis, constipation, neurogenic overactive bladder, underactive bladder, and sexual dysfunction. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) can reverse the amyloid state of fibrin seen or induced in Parkinson's disease

The thrombin-induced polymerisation of fibrinogen to form fibrin is well established as a late stage of blood clotting. It is known that Parkinson's Disease (PD) is accompanied by dysregulation in blood clotting, but it is less widely known as a coagulopathy. In recent work, we showed that the presence of tiny amounts of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in healthy individuals could cause clots to adopt an amyloid form, and this could be observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or via the fluorescence of thioflavin-T. This could be prevented by the prior addition of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP). We had also observed by SEM this unusual clotting in the blood of patients with Parkinson's Disease. We hypothesised, and here show, that this too can be prevented by LBP in the context of PD. This adds further evidence implicating inflammatory microbial cell wall products as an accompaniment to the disease, and may be part of its aetiology. This may lead to novel treatment strategies in PD designed to target microbes and their products.

Objective Measurement and Monitoring of Nonmotor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease

The comprehensive evaluation of nonmotor symptoms (NMS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) starts with the awareness of physicians, patients, and caregivers on their nature, clinical presentation, and effect on patient's daily activities and quality of life. This awareness can be better achieved if the symptoms can be visualized, measured, and monitored. As NMS are largely subjective in nature, a majority of them cannot be visualized (unlike tremor, which is easily seen), making their identification and quantification difficult. While symptoms are nonmotor, it does not mean that they are not measurable, as many NMS are integral to motor symptoms of Parkinson's, yet often neglected. In this review, we attempt to provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive literature review on the objective measurement and monitoring of NMS in PD. The aim is to make it clinically relevant by approaching NMS by domains as identified in the NMS Questionnaire. A section on the assessment of nonmotor fluctuations is also included, providing prospects for future objective monitoring. With the advances of technology, it is likely that many NMS will have objective outcomes, thus making these symptoms easily measurable and hopefully lead to future clinical trials that incorporate nonmotor outcomes. Nevertheless, it still requires a physician's judgment to determine which method, scales, objective measures, or monitoring devices or a combination of these is most appropriate to the individual patient in order to answer a particular clinical question.

Underactive bladder: Pathophysiology and clinical significance

Underactive bladder (UAB) is a voiding disorder which generates disabling lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to the inability to produce an effective voiding contraction sufficient to empty the bladder. The underlying abnormality, that is usually appreciated when performing urodynamic studies, has been defined by the International Continence Society (ICS) as detrusor underactivity (DUA). DUA is a common yet under-researched bladder dysfunction. The prevalence of DUA in different patient groups suggests that multiple aetiologies are implicated. Currently there is no effective therapeutic approach to treat this condition. An improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms is needed to facilitate the development of new advances in treatment. The purpose of this review is to discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, common causes and risk factors potentially leading to DUA; to aid in the appropriate diagnosis of DUA to potentially improve treatment outcomes.

[No motor signs in Parkinson's disease]

In Parkinson's disease, motor signs have long been the main targets of the management of the disease. In recent years, non-motor disorders have elicited increasing interest. These disorders are under diagnosed and managed more difficultly than motor signs and are sometimes perceived as more disturbing by the patients. These signs are polymorphous, sometimes occurring before the motor symptoms but increase with the disease duration and complicating always the late stages. They may fluctuate as the motor signs, while being under the control of dopaminergic pathways, or be linked to the degeneration of other neuronal circuits. These clinical manifestations, whether or not fluctuating are classified into three major categories: psycho-cognitive including sleep disorders, autonomic and sensory.

Prevalence and treatment of LUTS in patients with Parkinson disease or multiple system atrophy

The lower urinary tract is controlled by complex neural mechanisms not only in the periphery, but also in the central nervous systems (CNS). Thus, patients with a wide variety of neurological diseases often also have lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including those with Parkinson disease (PD) or multiple system atrophy (MSA). LUTS are common comorbidities associated with both of these neurodegenerative diseases and are likely to impair patients' quality of life. The motor symptoms of PD and MSA often seem similar; however, the pathophysiology, and thus the treatment of LUTS differs considerably. Antimuscarinics are the first-line treatment of storage LUTS in patients with PD or MSA; however, care should be taken in the management of these patients, especially in those with MSA owing to the high risk of inefficient voiding, and thus an increased post-void residual volume. Other treatments of PD-related LUTS include α-adrenoceptor antagonists, which improve voiding dysfunction, transurethral resection of the prostate for bladder outlet obstruction owing to prostate enlargement, and neuromodulation and intradetrusor botulinum toxin injections for storage LUTS. However, more conservative treatments, including intermittent catheterization, are required for LUTS in patients with MSA, owing to the high incidence of impaired detrusor contractility and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia.

Lower urinary tract symptoms in Parkinson's disease: Prevalence, aetiology and management

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in Parkinson's disease (PD), effecting 27-85% of patients with PD. Irritative symptoms predominate and urodynamic studies confirm high prevalence of detrusor overactivity in PD. LUTS are present early in PD and are more common in PD than in age matched controls. The assessment of LUTS in PD is complicated by coexisting bradykinesia and cognitive impairment. Although LUTS become more troublesome as PD progresses it remains unclear if LUTS severity correlates with motor symptoms and/or duration of PD. The underlying cause of LUTS in PD remains to be fully elucidated. Animal and human studies suggest the net effect of the basal ganglia is to supress micturition. Although LUTS are a common in PD, few studies have examined the assessment and management of LUTS specifically in patients with PD. Pilot studies have suggested that bladder training, antimuscarinic drugs and intravesical botulinum toxin maybe helpful but these trials have been small and frequently lacked a suitable control group making them vulnerable to the placebo effect. Furthermore the adverse effects of antimuscarinic drugs on cognitive and gastrointestinal function may limit the use of these drugs in PD. In this review we summarise the literature describing the prevalence of LUTS in PD, discuss the emerging data delineating the underlying pathophysiology of LUTS and examine interventions helpful in the management of LUTS in people with PD.

Endoscopic Management of Anastomotic Esophageal Strictures Secondary to Esophageal Atresia

The reported incidence of anastomotic stricture after esophageal atresia repair has varied in case series from as low as 9% to as high as 80%. The cornerstone of esophageal stricture treatment is dilation with either balloon or bougie. The goal of esophageal dilation is to increase the luminal diameter of the esophagus while also improving dysphagia symptoms. Once a stricture becomes refractory to esophageal dilation, there are several treatment therapies available as adjuncts to dilation therapy. These therapies include intralesional steroid injection, mitomycin C, esophageal stent placement, and endoscopic incisional therapy.

A guideline for the management of bladder dysfunction in Parkinson's disease and other gait disorders

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, and lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction is one of the most common autonomic disorders with an estimated incidence rate of 27-80%. Studies have shown that bladder dysfunction significantly influences quality-of-life (QOL) measures, early institutionalisation, and health economics. We review the pathophysiology of bladder dysfunction in PD, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), objective assessment, and treatment options. In patients with PD, disruption of the dopamine D1-GABAergic direct pathway may lead to LUTS. Overactive bladder (OAB) is the most common LUT symptom in PD patients, and an objective assessment using urodynamics commonly shows detrusor overactivity (DO) in these patients. The post-void residual (PVR) volume is minimal in PD, which differs significantly from multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients who have a more progressive disease that leads to urinary retention. However, subclinical detrusor weakness during voiding may also occur in PD. Regarding bladder management, there are no large, double-blind, prospective studies in this area. It is well recognised that dopaminergic drugs can improve or worsen LUTS in PD patients. Therefore, an add-on therapy with anticholinergics is required. Beta-3 adrenergic agonists are a potential treatment option because there are little to no central cognitive events. Newer interventions, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), are expected to improve bladder dysfunction in PD. Botulinum toxin injections can be used to treat intractable urinary incontinence in PD. Transurethral resection of the prostate gland (TURP) for comorbid BPH in PD is now recognised to be not contraindicated if MSA is excluded. Collaboration of urologists with neurologists is highly recommended to maximise a patients' bladder-associated QOL. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:551-563, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Impaired detrusor contractility is the pathognomonic urodynamic finding of multiple system atrophy compared to idiopathic Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

To investigate differences in urodynamic parameters between two groups: Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in patients with PD and MSA who presented to three referral centers between 2005 and 2012. Patients referred to the urology department for lower urinary tract symptoms underwent urodynamic studies. Patients with other rare or ambiguous subtypes of PPS, urinary tract infection, urinary stones, or other neurogenic conditions were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 581 consecutive patients (359 men and 222 women) were analyzed. The mean patient age was 69.2 (SD, 9.3) years. Among these patients, 390 (64.3%) had PD, and 191 (31.5%) had MSA. Patients with MSA showed a statistically significantly decreased maximal flow rate and increased post-void residual urine volume compared with patients with PD (P range, <0.001-0.005). In addition, voiding failure occurred more frequently in patients with MSA than in those with PD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-2.73). Patients with MSA showed a higher prevalence of low-compliance (P = 0.001), decreased bladder contractility (P < 0.001), and an increased rate of voiding failure (P = 0.001). In patients with MSA, decreased detrusor contractility was more prominent in the cerebellar ataxia predominant subtype (MSA-C; P = 0.038). Multivariate analysis showed that the MSA subtype was the only independent risk factor for impaired detrusor contractility (men, OR = 2.692; P = 0.006; women, OR = 2.965; P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Impaired detrusor contractility was the pathognomonic urodynamic finding that distinguished MSA from PD.

Contemporary concepts in the aetiopathogenesis of detrusor underactivity

Detrusor underactivity (DUA) is a poorly understood, yet common, bladder dysfunction, referred to as underactive bladder, which is observed in both men and women undergoing urodynamic studies. Despite its prevalence, no effective therapeutic approaches exist for DUA. Exactly how the contractile function of the detrusor muscle changes with ageing is unclear. Data from physiological studies in animal and human bladders are contradictory, as are the results of the limited number of clinical studies assessing changes in urodynamic parameters with ageing. The prevalence of DUA in different patient groups suggests that multiple aetiologies are involved in DUA pathogenesis. Traditional concepts focused on either efferent innervation or myogenic dysfunction. By contrast, contemporary views emphasize the importance of the neural control mechanisms, particularly the afferent system, which can fail to potentiate detrusor contraction, leading to premature termination of the voiding reflex. In conclusion, the contemporary understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of DUA is limited. Further elucidation of the underlying mechanisms is needed to enable the development of new and effective treatment approaches.

Eryptosis as a marker of Parkinson's disease

A major trend in recent Parkinson's disease (PD) research is the investigation of biological markers that could help in identifying at-risk individuals or to track disease progression and response to therapies. Central to this is the knowledge that inflammation is a known hallmark of PD and of many other degenerative diseases. In the current work, we focus on inflammatory signalling in PD, using a systems approach that allows us to look at the disease in a more holistic way. We discuss cyclooxygenases, prostaglandins, thromboxanes and also iron in PD. These particular signalling molecules are involved in PD pathophysiology, but are also very important in an aberrant coagulation/hematology system. We present and discuss a hypothesis regarding the possible interaction of these aberrant signalling molecules implicated in PD, and suggest that these molecules may affect the erythrocytes of PD patients. This would be observable as changes in the morphology of the RBCs and of PD patients relative to healthy controls. We then show that the RBCs of PD patients are indeed rather dramatically deranged in their morphology, exhibiting eryptosis (a kind of programmed cell death). This morphological indicator may have useful diagnostic and prognostic significance.

Sphincter electromyography in diabetes mellitus and multiple system atrophy

AIMS

Abnormalities of external anal sphincter electromyography (EAS-EMG) characterize multiple system atrophy (MSA) and focal cauda equina or conus medullaris lesions. This study is designed to determine whether and how diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) affects EAS as compared to the abnormalities seen in MSA.

METHODS

We conducted multi-motor unit potential (MUP) analysis of EAS in 22 healthy controls, 32 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients without neuropathy, 38 DPN patients, and 68 MSA patients.

RESULTS

DPN patients had a significant (P < 0.01) increase in MUP mean duration, mean amplitude, percentage of long duration MUPs, and satellite rate, but to a lesser extent than MSA. Mean duration and satellite rate showed the least overlap among different groups in individual value distributions.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with MSA, DPN affects EAS to a lesser degree as judged by neurogenic MUP abnormalities in EMG. Mean duration and satellite rate may serve as the most discriminating aspects in MUP analysis of EAS.

EFNS/MDS-ES/ENS [corrected] recommendations for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

A Task Force was convened by the EFNS/MDS-ES Scientist Panel on Parkinson's disease (PD) and other movement disorders to systemically review relevant publications on the diagnosis of PD.

METHODS

Following the EFNS instruction for the preparation of neurological diagnostic guidelines, recommendation levels have been generated for diagnostic criteria and investigations.

RESULTS

For the clinical diagnosis, we recommend the use of the Queen Square Brain Bank criteria (Level B). Genetic testing for specific mutations is recommended on an individual basis (Level B), taking into account specific features (i.e. family history and age of onset). We recommend olfactory testing to differentiate PD from other parkinsonian disorders including recessive forms (Level A). Screening for pre-motor PD with olfactory testing requires additional tests due to limited specificity. Drug challenge tests are not recommended for the diagnosis in de novo parkinsonian patients. There is an insufficient evidence to support their role in the differential diagnosis between PD and other parkinsonian syndromes. We recommend an assessment of cognition and a screening for REM sleep behaviour disorder, psychotic manifestations and severe depression in the initial evaluation of suspected PD cases (Level A). Transcranial sonography is recommended for the differentiation of PD from atypical and secondary parkinsonian disorders (Level A), for the early diagnosis of PD and in the detection of subjects at risk for PD (Level A), although the technique is so far not universally used and requires some expertise. Because specificity of TCS for the development of PD is limited, TCS should be used in conjunction with other screening tests. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging at 1.5 T are recommended as neuroimaging tools that can support a diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) or progressive supranuclear palsy versus PD on the basis of regional atrophy and signal change as well as diffusivity patterns (Level A). DaTscan SPECT is registered in Europe and the United States for the differential diagnosis between degenerative parkinsonisms and essential tremor (Level A). More specifically, DaTscan is indicated in the presence of significant diagnostic uncertainty such as parkinsonism associated with neuroleptic exposure and atypical tremor manifestations such as isolated unilateral postural tremor. Studies of [(123) I]MIBG/SPECT cardiac uptake may be used to identify patients with PD versus controls and MSA patients (Level A). All other SPECT imaging studies do not fulfil registration standards and cannot be recommended for routine clinical use. At the moment, no conclusion can be drawn as to diagnostic efficacy of autonomic function tests, neurophysiological tests and positron emission tomography imaging in PD.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of PD is still largely based on the correct identification of its clinical features. Selected investigations (genetic, olfactory, and neuroimaging studies) have an ancillary role in confirming the diagnosis, and some of them could be possibly used in the near future to identify subjects in a pre-symptomatic phase of the disease.

Autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Growing recognition of the non-motor features of Parkinson's disease (PD) has led to increased awareness of autonomic dysfunction as part of the disease process, not only in advanced disease but also early in its course, sometimes even preceding the development of the classic motor features of PD. Virtually all aspects of autonomic function can become impaired in PD, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, urological, sexual and thermoregulatory function. Recognition of the various autonomic abnormalities of PD is important because effective treatment may be available and may measurably improve quality of life for individuals with PD.

[Lower urinary tract dysfunctions in parkinsonian syndromes: a review by the Neuro-Urology Comittee of the French Association of Urology]

INTRODUCTION

Lower urinary tract disorders (LUTD) are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and other parkinsonian syndromes (PS). They are responsible for a significant morbidity and mortality and impair patients' quality of life. The therapeutic management of these LUTD requires to know how to distinguish the PD from other PS and their epidemiology and pathophysiology.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a diagnostic and therapeutic management of LUTD in patients with PS.

METHOD

A review of litterature using PubMed library was performed using the following keywords: Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, lower urinary tract disorders, neurogenic bladder, overactive bladder, obstruction, anticholinergics, dopamine, prostate surgery.

RESULTS

Sometimes revealing the neurological disease, LUTD in PS raise a diagnostic problem because they occur at an age when various urogynecological disorders can be intricated with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. The differential diagnosis between PD and multiple system atrophy is important to know by the urologist. The distinction is based on the semiological analysis, the clinical response to dopaminergic therapy and the clinical outcome but also on data from urodynamic explorations. The therapeutic management of these LUTD cannot be easy due to the difficulty of use of some pharmacological treatments and the risk of deterioration after inappropriate surgery. The different treatments include the careful use of anticholinergics, posterior tibial nerve stimulation, deep thalamic stimulation and low-dose intradetrusor injections of botulinum toxin without approval. The decision to perform prostate surgery will be taken with caution after proving the bladder obstruction.

CONCLUSION

When analysing LUTD in PS, the urologist must know to question the initial diagnosis of PD. Treatments in order to reduce morbidity and mortality of these LUTD and to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from these degenerative diseases, will be proposed after multidisciplinary neuro-urologic concertation. The decision to perform prostate surgery must be taken with caution after proving sub-vesical obstruction.

Anal sphincter electromyography in patients with newly diagnosed idiopathic parkinsonism

OBJECTIVES

The differential diagnosis of patients with idiopathic parkinsonism is difficult, especially early in the course of the disease. External anal sphincter electromyography (EAS-EMG) has been reported to be of value in the differential diagnosis between Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Patients with MSA are reported to have pathological EAS-EMG and patients with PD are reported to have significantly less pathological EAS-EMG results. Comparisons between patients with parkinsonian disorders have usually been made many years into the disease, and thus it is largely unknown if the results of EAS-EMG can be used to distinguish the different diagnoses in the early phase of the disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated 148 newly diagnosed patients with idiopathic parkinsonism from a population-based incidence cohort (100 definite PD, 21 probable PD, 16 MSA, 11 progressive supranuclear palsy, and 40 controls) with EAS-EMG within 3 months of their first visit and, in the majority of patients, before start of treatment with dopaminergic drugs. The clinical diagnoses were made using established clinical diagnostic criteria after a median follow-up of 3 years.

RESULTS

All patient groups had more pathological EAS-EMG results than controls. No EAS-EMG differences were found between the patient groups, especially not between PD and MSA.

CONCLUSIONS

External anal sphincter electromyography examination cannot separate the different parkinsonian subgroups from each other in early course of the diseases.

Premotor signs and symptoms of multiple system atrophy

Diagnostic criteria for multiple system atrophy are focused on motor manifestations of the disease, in particular ataxia and parkinsonism, but these criteria often cannot detect the early stages. Non-motor symptoms and signs of multiple system atrophy often precede the onset of classic motor manifestations, and this prodromal phase is estimated to last from several months to years. Autonomic failure, sleep problems, and respiratory disturbances are well known symptoms of established multiple system atrophy and, when presenting early and preceding ataxia or parkinsonism, should be regarded as evidence of premotor multiple system atrophy. An early and accurate diagnosis is becoming increasingly important as new neuroprotective agents are developed.

Pathophysiology of bladder dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Bladder dysfunction (urinary urgency/frequency) is a common non-motor disorder in Parkinson's disease (PD). In contrast to motor disorders, bladder dysfunction is sometimes non-responsive to levodopa treatment. The brain pathology causing the bladder dysfunction (appearance of overactivity) involves an altered dopamine basal ganglia-frontal circuit, which normally suppresses the micturition reflex. The pathophysiology of the bladder dysfunction in PD differs from that in multiple system atrophy; therefore, it might aid in differential diagnosis. Anticholinergic agents are used to treat bladder dysfunction in PD, although these drugs should be used with caution particularly in elderly patients who have cognitive decline. These treatments might be beneficial in maximizing the patients' quality of life.

Bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Bladder dysfunction (urinary urgency/frequency), bowel dysfunction (constipation), and sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction) (also called “pelvic organ” dysfunctions) are common nonmotor disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD). In contrast to motor disorders, pelvic organ autonomic dysfunctions are often nonresponsive to levodopa treatment. The brain pathology causing the bladder dysfunction (appearance of overactivity) involves an altered dopamine-basal ganglia circuit, which normally suppresses the micturition reflex. By contrast, peripheral myenteric pathology causing slowed colonic transit (loss of rectal contractions) and central pathology causing weak strain and paradoxical anal sphincter contraction on defecation (PSD, also called as anismus) are responsible for the bowel dysfunction. In addition, hypothalamic dysfunction is mostly responsible for the sexual dysfunction (decrease in libido and erection) in PD, via altered dopamine-oxytocin pathways, which normally promote libido and erection. The pathophysiology of the pelvic organ dysfunction in PD differs from that in multiple system atrophy; therefore, it might aid in differential diagnosis. Anticholinergic agents are used to treat bladder dysfunction in PD, although these drugs should be used with caution particularly in elderly patients who have cognitive decline. Dietary fibers, laxatives, and “prokinetic” drugs such as serotonergic agonists are used to treat bowel dysfunction in PD. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors are used to treat sexual dysfunction in PD. These treatments might be beneficial in maximizing the patients' quality of life.

Review of neurologic diseases for the urologist

This article reviews the neurologic conditions associated with a high prevalence of bladder dysfunction and about which significant advances in understanding have occurred in recent years. The importance of the frontal lobes for bladder control has been confirmed through functional brain imaging, and recent findings in the elderly with incontinence suggest the problem may result from disconnection of important frontal areas caused by white matter disease. The very different urologic profile of the two sometimes-confused conditions, multiple system atrophy and Parkinson's disease, is clarified. The advances in treatments for multiple sclerosis in recent years have been remarkable and are briefly described.