A rapid multi-parametric quantitative MR imaging method to assess Parkinson's disease: a feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Radiology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• MULTIPLEX is a novel 3D multi-parametric MRI technique offering high-resolution T1, T2*, proton density, and susceptibility-weighted images.
• It provides quantitative maps, enabling detailed tissue characterization.
• This study evaluates the clinical applicability of MULTIPLEX for Parkinson's disease (PD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of using the MULTIPLEX MRI technique in the clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
• To identify potential imaging biomarkers for PD using quantitative MRI parameters.

Main Methods:

• 27 PD patients and 23 healthy controls (HC) underwent MULTIPLEX MRI scans.
• Automated image processing and region-of-interest (ROI) analysis were performed using custom software and the HybraPD atlas.
• Quantitative parameters (T1, T2*, QSM) were extracted from subcortical nuclei to compare PD patients and HCs.

Main Results:

• PD patients showed significantly decreased T1 values in the substantia nigra and habenular nuclei, and decreased T2* values in the subthalamic nucleus.
• Increased quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) values were observed in the subthalamic nucleus of PD patients.
• These quantitative parameters demonstrated significant diagnostic value for PD and revealed hemicerebral differences.

Conclusions:

• MULTIPLEX MRI is a feasible technique for clinical application in Parkinson's disease diagnosis.
• Quantitative MRI parameters derived from MULTIPLEX may offer insights into the pathophysiology of PD in subcortical and midbrain regions.