Challenges in Diagnosing Parkinson's Disease vs. Multiple System Atrophy: A Case Report Highlighting MRI as a Key Diagnostic Tool

Authors

  • Ongden Yonjen Tamang Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Santosh Maharjan Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA
  • Rudra Prasad Upadhyaya Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA
  • Ashish Shrestha Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Gaurab Shrestha Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Rajiv Chaudhary Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/njr.v14i2.75737

Keywords:

Atrophy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Multiple System Atrophy, Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

We report a case that outlines the diagnostic challenge faced in differentiating between Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) in a 58-year-old man with a history of PD. Despite treatment, the patient exhibited limited response and presented with symptoms suggestive of atypical Parkinsonism, prompting a brain MRI. The MRI revealed characteristic features of MSA, showing putaminal atrophy and altered signal intensity. Differential diagnosis between MSA and PD is crucial, with specific MRI findings serving as key differentiators. Early recognition and differentiation are vital for appropriate management.

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Author Biographies

Ongden Yonjen Tamang, Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

Radiologist, Department of Radiology

Santosh Maharjan, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA

Radiology Fellow, Department of Radiology

Rudra Prasad Upadhyaya, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA

Radiology Fellow, Department of Radiology

Ashish Shrestha, Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

Radiologist, Department of Radiology

Gaurab Shrestha, Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

Radiologist, Department of Radiology

Rajiv Chaudhary, Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

Radiologist, Department of Radiology

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Published

2025-03-07

How to Cite

Tamang, O. Y., Maharjan, S., Upadhyaya, R. P., Shrestha, A., Shrestha, G., & Chaudhary, R. (2025). Challenges in Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease vs. Multiple System Atrophy: A Case Report Highlighting MRI as a Key Diagnostic Tool. Nepalese Journal of Radiology, 14(2), 27–30. https://doi.org/10.3126/njr.v14i2.75737

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Case Reports

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Nepalese Journal of Radiology

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