[Olivopontocerebellar atrophy as an important differential diagnosis in atactic gait disorders in elderly patients].

The sporadic form of olivo-ponto-cerebellar atrophy (OPCA) is described in 5 patients. The diagnosis was confirmed by autopsy in one patient. The OPCA can be suspected from the history and symptoms if neuroradiologic examination also demonstrates atrophy of the cerebellum and pons. OPCA is a rare but important cause of a progressive gait disturbance in the elderly patient. The differential diagnosis of atactic gait is discussed.