Description
Atypical parkinsonian disorders (APD) are a diverse group of akinetic-rigid syndromes, where parkinsonism occurs together with additional features such as autonomic disturbance or supranuclear gaze palsy. This group includes, among others, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration. Misdiagnosis is common, as the classical distinguishing features often do not appear until late in the disease process and a high index of suspicion is therefore needed to make a diagnosis. Recent years have brought a greater understanding of the underlying pathological process and the development of diagnostic criteria. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and imaging in these disorders to raise awareness, so that the diagnosis may be considered as early as possible when assessing a patient with parkinsonian features.
