Talk:Olivopontocerebellar atrophy

Article may be out of date concerning use of this term
Seems that article may be incorrect to the extent that it suggests that OPCA continues to be used to reference particular disorders. Two cites in article that support make reference to pre-1996 literature and may, therefore, not account for the subsequent consensus statements on the definition of MSA. The description of OPCA on the NIDS website suggests that the term is used to describe a particular pathology, rather than the disorder giving rise to this pathology. Specifically, NIDS description states:


 * What is Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy?


 * Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) is a term that describes the degeneration of neurons in specific areas of the brain – the cerebellum, pons, and inferior olives. OPCA is present in several neurodegenerative syndromes, including inherited and non-inherited forms of ataxia (such as the hereditary spinocerebellar ataxia known as Machado-Joseph disease) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), with which it is primarily associated.  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/msa/msa.htm


 * OPCA may also be found in the brains of individuals with prion disorders and inherited metabolic diseases.  The characteristic areas of brain damage that indicate OPCA can be seen by imaging the brain using CT scans or MRI studies.

Would appreciate it if someone with medical expertise in this area weighs in before I make significant changes to article. --Sjsilverman (talk) 20:14, 13 January 2012 (UTC)
 * Merge to Multiple system atrophy. NINDS says MSA was formerly known as OCPA (inter alia). At Talk:Multiple_system_atrophy it was asked whether there was sufficient interest in the historical term to justify a separate article. The intervening silence suggests no. Presumably Olivopontocerebellar atrophy-deafness syndrome should also be renamed and updated. – Fayenatic  L ondon 13:33, 18 May 2024 (UTC)