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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Progression of putaminal degeneration in multiple system atrophy: a serial diffusion MR study
Klaus Seppi1, Michael F H Schocke, Katherina J Mair
1Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria. klaus.seppi@uibk.ac.at
Abstract:
By using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), we have recently shown abnormal diffusivity in the putamen of patients with the Parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA-P) which also correlated with disease severity, indicating the capability of putaminal diffusivity to serve as a marker for disease progression. We therefore performed a serial DWI study in 10 patients with MSA-P compared to 10 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) to evaluate the dynamic evolution of diffusion properties in the basal ganglia including putamen, caudate nucleus and globus pallidum by means of the trace of the diffusion tensor (Trace(D)). For comparison, we have also analyzed the frequency and semiquantitative grading of MSA-P-related structural changes on conventional MRI including putaminal atrophy, lateral hyperintense margination of the putamen and putaminal signal hypointensity relative to the globus pallidum on T2 MR images. None of the Trace(D) values in the basal ganglia regions in the PD group changed significantly at follow-up compared to baseline. In MSA-P, a significant increase of the Trace(D) was found in the putamen, which correlated with motor progression as assessed by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). No significant change of any of the abnormal putaminal findings on routine MRI was obtained. We suggest that abnormal diffusivity in the putamen is sensitive to change over time in MSA-P and correlates with motor progression indicating that DWI may serve to monitor disease progression in MSA-P in an objective and quantitative manner.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) reveals that abnormal putaminal diffusivity in multiple system atrophy Parkinsonian type (MSA-P) correlates with motor progression. This quantitative MRI technique shows promise for monitoring disease advancement in MSA-P.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Multiple system atrophy Parkinsonian type (MSA-P) is a neurodegenerative disorder.
- Abnormal putaminal diffusivity has been identified in MSA-P patients.
- Putaminal diffusivity may serve as a marker for disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dynamic evolution of diffusion properties in the basal ganglia of MSA-P patients.
- To compare diffusion changes in MSA-P with Parkinson's disease (PD).
- To assess the correlation between diffusion changes and motor progression.
Main Methods:
- Serial diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was performed on 10 MSA-P patients and 10 PD patients.
- The trace of the diffusion tensor (Trace(D)) was analyzed in the putamen, caudate nucleus, and globus pallidus.
- Conventional MRI was used to assess structural changes like putaminal atrophy and signal alterations.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in Trace(D) were observed in the basal ganglia of PD patients over time.
- MSA-P patients showed a significant increase in putaminal Trace(D) that correlated with motor progression (UPDRS).
- Routine MRI showed no significant changes in structural abnormalities in MSA-P patients.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal putaminal diffusivity is sensitive to changes over time in MSA-P.
- DWI can objectively and quantitatively monitor disease progression in MSA-P.
- DWI shows potential as a valuable tool for tracking MSA-P advancement.
