Two cases of aircrew with multiple system atrophy and literature review

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical features by analyzing two flying personnel cases of multiple system atrophy (MSA) for the references to diagnosis, treatment, as well as the influence to flying and the criteria of individual aeromedical evaluation. Methods The clinical data of 2 cases of aircrew with MSA were analyzed and related literatures were reviewed. Results The clinical MSA features of both cases were not typical in their early stage but 1 case appeared typical features in late stage. These 2 cases were misdiagnosed in a certain time because of MSA's rare occurrence, but finally the definite diagnosis was made by judging clinical features, electrophysiology and imageology examinations. These 2 pilots were finally disqualified for flying. Conclusions The clinical features of degeneration diseases of neurologic system in early stage were obscure and had relative longer course of disease, especially for those physical fitness pilots. So it raised higher requirements to the aviation physician in early recognizing the features of MSA for preventing misdiagnosis. Aeromedical assessment of flying personnel with degeneration diseases of neurologic system should be synthetically evaluated according to clinical features, aircraft type and mission. Key words: Multiple system atrophy ; Case report ; Eligibility determination ; Retrospective studies ;