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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
Published on: September 8, 2021
Substantia nigra echogenicity in Parkinson's disease: relation to serum iron and C-reactive protein
Uwe Walter1, Rike Witt, Alexander Wolters
1Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany. uwe.walter@med.uni-rostock.de
Abstract:
In Parkinson's disease (PD), substantia nigra hyperechogenicity (SN-h) has been related to both, local iron accumulation and microglia activation. We analysed its relationship in PD patients with serum iron (n = 31) and C-reactive protein (CRP; n = 193). SN-h correlated with lower CRP and iron levels. Also, patients with a first-degree relative with PD had lower iron levels. Microglia activation, if reflected by SN-h, may be therefore unrelated to serum CRP. Findings support the idea that SN-h indicates inherited alteration of iron metabolism.
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