Shy –Drager Syndrome In Two Nigerian Male Adults

Abstract

Baroreceptor sensitivity decreases with advancing age and systemic hypertension. In consequence, rapid adjustment of the circulation to changes in posture may be impaired so that postural hypotension occurs. One such condition where this is well demonstrated is the Shy-Drager Syndrome, multiple system atrophy with autonomic failure characterized by postural hypotension. Though a rare disease, a lot of interest has recently been focused on it by the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke (NINDS) because of difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. Typical cases of Shy-Drager Syndrome have not been reported in the Nigerian literature although related cases abound. The following are case reports of two adult Nigerian males. The first is that of a 70-year-old Bini man, a known hypertensive who was being managed for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), parapareisis and occasional disorientation. He was later diagnosed as a case of Shy-Drager Syndrome. The second is that of a 52-year-old Bini man who became incapacitated by recurrent syncopal attacks. Both responded well to treatment with fludrocortisone acetate. A very rare condition in our environment. The need for its awareness is hereby emphasized Keywords: Shy-Drager Syndrome; Nigerian, Male, Adult. Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 2 (1) 2003: pp. 54-58