Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
Published on: September 8, 2021
Substantia nigra echogenicity is normal in non-extrapyramidal cerebral disorders but increased in Parkinson's disease
U Walter1, M Wittstock, R Benecke
1Department of Neurology, Rostock University, Federal Republic of Germany.
Abstract:
Transcranial sonography (TCS) revealed substantia nigra (SN) hyperechogenicity in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD). To further evaluate specificity of this finding, we examined 30 IPD patients and 30 age-matched subjects with non-extrapyramidal cerebral disorders (NED). All IPD patients showed a SN hyperechogenicity, in 17 it was bilateral and in 13 unilateral. 7 NED patients had a SN hyperechogenicity, in all it was unilateral, confirming previous results in healthy subjects. Bilateral SN hyperechogenicity indicates IPD and normal SN echogenicity indicates NED. In 30% of patients TCS does not distinguish between IPD and NED. Data further support the assumption that bilateral SN hyperechogenicity is specific for IPD.
Related Concept Videos
Neural Regulation
Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
Alterations in Muscle Tone ll
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

