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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
Neuroimage
|January 31, 2006
Summary
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.