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The "cross" signs in patients with multiple system atrophy: a quantitative study
Kazuo Abe1, Tachio Hikita, Masaru Yokoe
1Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan. abe@neurol.med.osaka-u.ac.jp
Summary
The "cross" sign in multiple system atrophy (MSA) is linked to pontine base atrophy. This imaging finding directly correlates with the extent of degeneration in the pons, aiding in MSA diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Background:
- The
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between pontine base atrophy and the presence of the "cross" sign in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA).
Main Methods:
- Studied 68 MSA patients (47 MSA-C, 21 MSA-P) using T1W and T2W MRI scans.
- Measured pontine base and cerebellar vermis areas on midsagittal T1W images.
- Classified pontine base atrophy into three grades.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between pontine base atrophy and the existence of the "cross" sign.
- All patients with pontine base area two standard deviations below controls exhibited the "cross" sign.
- The "cross" sign's presence is dependent on the degree of pontine base atrophy.
Conclusions:
- The "cross" sign in MSA is a reliable indicator of pontine base degeneration.
- This imaging marker can aid in assessing the severity of neurodegeneration in MSA.