Neuroimaging in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: current and emerging uses

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neurology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
• In vivo markers are needed to understand ALS pathology.
• Neuroimaging techniques show promise for detecting CNS involvement in ALS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of neuroimaging applications in ALS.
• To discuss the role of neuroimaging in understanding motor and extra-motor involvement.
• To explore implications for ALS diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical trials.

Main Methods:

• Review of structural and functional neuroimaging techniques (MRI, PET).
• Focus on brain and spinal cord involvement.
• Analysis of network-based connectivity and multimodal approaches.

Main Results:

• Neuroimaging techniques are vital for detecting and quantifying upper motor neuron and extra-motor brain involvement in ALS.
• These techniques are relevant for both pathophysiologic investigation and clinical practice.
• Network-based and multimodal approaches show promise for diagnostic and prognostic markers.

Conclusions:

• State-of-the-art neuroimaging is fundamental for ALS research and clinical practice.
• Advanced techniques aid in understanding disease mechanisms and patient stratification.
• Future developments in neuroimaging will enhance diagnostic and prognostic capabilities for ALS.