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Quantitative evaluation of brainstem involvement in multiple system atrophy by diffusion-weighted MR imaging.
Masato Kanazawa1, Takayoshi Shimohata, Kenshi Terajima
1Dept. of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, 1 Asahimati, Niigata 951-8585, Japan.
Journal of Neurology
|September 17, 2004
Summary
Diffusion-weighted MRI reveals higher apparent diffusion coefficients in the brainstems of multiple system atrophy with cerebellar symptoms patients, indicating early involvement that correlates with disease duration.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA) involves the brainstem and autonomic nervous system, impacting prognosis.
- Early detection of brainstem involvement is crucial for managing MSA, particularly the cerebellar subtype (MSA-C).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate brainstem involvement in early-stage MSA-C using diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI).
- To assess the correlation between diffusion changes and disease duration in MSA-C patients.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) was used to examine 12 MSA-C patients and 11 age-matched controls.
- Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were measured in the pons and middle cerebellar peduncle.
Main Results:
- MSA-C patients exhibited significantly higher ADCs in the pons and middle cerebellar peduncle compared to controls.
- Increased ADC values in these brainstem regions showed a significant correlation with disease duration.
Conclusions:
- DWI is a valuable noninvasive tool for quantitatively assessing brainstem involvement in early MSA-C.
- Elevated ADCs suggest early pathological changes in the brainstem of MSA-C patients, even in early disease stages.