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T2-low signal intensity in the cortex in multiple system atrophy.
Hideto Miwa1, Yoshinori Kajimoto, Ichiro Nakanishi
1Department of Neurology, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-8510, Japan. h-miwa@wakayama-med.ac.jp
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|May 28, 2003
Summary
Cortical T2-low signal intensity is increased in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). This finding in MSA may indicate widespread cortical degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Background:
- Parkinsonism encompasses several neurodegenerative disorders, including multiple system atrophy (MSA), Parkinson's disease (PD), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
- Distinguishing between these conditions and other neurological disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
- T2-low signal intensity on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a potential imaging biomarker that warrants investigation in cortical pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical significance of T2-low signal intensity in the cerebral cortex.
- To compare the prevalence of cortical T2-low signal intensity in patients with parkinsonism (MSA, PD, PSP), ALS, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of T2-weighted MR images from patients diagnosed with MSA, PD, PSP, ALS, and age-matched normal controls.
- Randomized presentation of MR images to three blinded neurologists for evaluation of cortical T2-low signal intensity.
- Statistical comparison of the frequency of T2-low signal intensity across the different patient groups.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in the frequency of cortical T2-low signal intensity was observed in patients with ALS and MSA compared to controls.
- Cortical T2-low signal intensity was particularly noted in the motor cortex and frontal association cortex in patients with MSA.
- No significant difference in cortical T2-low signal intensity was found in patients with PD or PSP compared to normal controls.
Conclusions:
- Cortical T2-low signal intensity is a potential imaging marker associated with ALS and MSA.
- The presence of T2-low signal intensity in the frontal cortex of MSA patients suggests extensive cortical neurodegeneration.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise pathological correlates and diagnostic utility of cortical T2-low signal intensity in parkinsonian syndromes.