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Updated: May 7, 2026
09:33
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
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Frontotemporal cortical thinning in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
A d'Ambrosio1, A Gallo, F Trojsi
1From the Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences (A.d'A., A.G., F.T., M.R.M., M.C., G.T.), Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|October 12, 2013
Summary
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients exhibit widespread cortical thinning, particularly in motor and extramotor regions. This gray matter loss correlates with disease severity and progression, suggesting a link to frontotemporal dementia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Neurodegeneration
Background:
- Advanced MR imaging has enhanced understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathophysiology.
- The full extent of neurodegeneration across the central nervous system in ALS remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the spatial distribution of cortical damage in ALS using cortical thickness measurements.
- To investigate the relationship between cortical thinning and clinical aspects of ALS.
Main Methods:
- Surface-based morphometry applied to 20 ALS patients and 18 healthy controls.
- Correlation analysis between clinical scores (disability, progression) and cortical thickness.
Main Results:
- ALS patients showed significant cortical thinning in motor and extramotor areas compared to controls.
- Gray matter loss correlated with disease disability (left lateral orbitofrontal cortex), duration (right premotor cortex), and progression rate (left parahippocampal cortex).
Conclusions:
- Cortical thinning in ALS may indicate upper motor neuron impairment and extramotor involvement.
- The observed pattern of neurodegeneration supports a continuum between ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
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