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Published on: July 28, 2013
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Progressive Brain Atrophy in Multiple System Atrophy: A Longitudinal, Multicenter, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Florian Krismer1,2, Patrice Péran3, Vincent Beliveau1,2
1Department of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Summary
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients exhibit significant brain atrophy, particularly in the cerebellum, pons, and putamen, over one year. These findings highlight key areas for monitoring disease progression in MSA.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Biomarkers for disease progression are crucial for multiple system atrophy (MSA) management.
- Previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies on MSA brain atrophy yielded inconsistent results.
- Advanced MRI techniques allow for automated and reliable quantification of brain atrophy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify in vivo brain atrophy progression rates in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA).
- To compare atrophy rates in MSA patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy controls (HC).
Main Methods:
- Serial 3D-T1-weighted MRI scans from 43 MSA patients (baseline and 1-year follow-up) were analyzed.
- FreeSurfer's longitudinal analysis stream was employed for observer-independent atrophy rate determination.
- Data were compared against cohorts of early-stage PD patients and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Patients with MSA demonstrated significant annual atrophy rates in key brain regions: cerebellar cortex (-4.24%), cerebellar white matter (-8.22%), pons (-4.67%), and putamen (-4.25%).
- In contrast, Parkinson's disease patients exhibited minimal atrophy rates, comparable to healthy controls.
- The cerebellum, pons, and putamen showed the most substantial volume loss in MSA patients.
Conclusions:
- Multiple system atrophy is characterized by significant brain volume loss over a 12-month period.
- Cerebellar, pontine, and putaminal regions are most sensitive to volumetric changes in mid-stage MSA.
- These findings establish crucial imaging biomarkers for tracking MSA progression.
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