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Updated: May 25, 2026
Whole-brain Segmentation and Change-point Analysis of Anatomical Brain MRI—Application in Premanifest Huntington's Disease
Published on: June 9, 2018
Magnetization transfer imaging in premanifest and manifest Huntington disease
S J A van den Bogaard1, E M Dumas, J Milles
1Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 22300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. s.j.a.van_den_bogaard@lumc.nl
Background And Purpose:
MTI has the potential to detect abnormalities in normal-appearing white and gray matter on conventional MR imaging. Early detection methods and disease progression markers are needed in HD research. Therefore, we investigated MTI parameters and their clinical correlates in premanifest and manifest HD.
Materials And Methods:
From the Leiden TRACK-HD study, 78 participants (28 controls, 25 PMGC, 25 MHD) were included. Brain segmentation of cortical gray matter, white matter, caudate nucleus, putamen, pallidum, thalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus was performed using FSL's automated tools FAST and FIRST. Individual MTR values were calculated from these regions and MTR histograms constructed. Regression analysis of MTR measures from all gene carriers with clinical measures was performed.
Results:
MTR peak height was reduced in both cortical gray (P = .01) and white matter (P = .006) in manifest HD compared with controls. Mean MTR was also reduced in cortical gray matter (P = .01) and showed a trend in white matter (P = .052). Deep gray matter structures showed a uniform pattern of reduced MTR values (P < .05). No differences between premanifest gene carriers and controls were found. MTR values correlated with disease burden and motor and cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
Throughout the brain, disturbances in MTI parameters are apparent in early HD and are homogeneous across white and gray matter. The correlation of MTI with clinical measures indicates the potential to act as a disease monitor in clinical trials. However, our study does not provide evidence for MTI as a marker in premanifest HD.
Insights
Magnetization Transfer Imaging (MTI) reveals brain abnormalities in manifest Huntington's disease (HD). MTI parameters correlate with disease severity, but do not detect early signs in premanifest HD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Biomarkers
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Background:
- Huntington's disease (HD) research requires early detection methods and disease progression markers.
- Magnetization Transfer Imaging (MTI) can detect abnormalities in normal-appearing white and gray matter on conventional MRI.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate MTI parameters and their clinical correlates in premanifest and manifest HD.
- Assess MTI's potential as a biomarker for HD progression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Leiden TRACK-HD study (78 participants: 28 controls, 25 premanifest gene carriers, 25 manifest HD patients).
- Performed brain segmentation and calculated MTR values from various gray and white matter regions.
- Conducted regression analysis of MTR measures against clinical assessments.
Main Results:
- Reduced MTR peak height and mean MTR observed in cortical gray and white matter in manifest HD compared to controls.
- Deep gray matter structures showed uniformly reduced MTR values.
- No significant MTI differences were found between premanifest gene carriers and controls.
- MTI values correlated with disease burden, motor, and cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
- MTI detects widespread brain disturbances in manifest HD, consistent across gray and white matter.
- MTI shows potential as a disease monitor in clinical trials due to its correlation with clinical measures.
- MTI is not yet evidenced as a reliable marker for premanifest HD detection.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Huntington Disease l: Introduction
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging