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Updated: Sep 18, 2026
Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
Published on: September 8, 2021
Nigrostriatal free-water imaging and volumetry outperform quantitative T1 in neurodegenerative Parkinson syndromes
Nils Schröter1, Lucas Both2, Wolfgang H Jost3
1Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Department of Neurology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany; Department of Neurology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany.
Background:
The relative value of nigrostriatal volumetry, quantitative T1 relaxation, and multicompartment diffusion MRI in neurodegenerative Parkinson syndromes is unclear.
Objectives:
To compare quantitative T1 relaxation and diffusion microstructure imaging-derived free fluid fraction (V-CSF) in the putamen and substantia nigra, together with putaminal volume, across Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, and healthy controls.
Methods:
We retrospectively studied 178 participants, including 59 individuals with Parkinson's disease, 30 with MSA, 60 with PSP, and 29 healthy controls assessed between 2018 and 2023. Linear models adjusted for age and sex tested group differences and associations with Hoehn and Yahr stage.
Results:
Putaminal volume and V-CSF differed across groups (both p < 0.001), whereas putaminal quantitative T1 did not (p = 0.10). Nigral V-CSF showed broader separation than nigral quantitative T1. In multiple system atrophy, lower putaminal quantitative T1 was associated with higher Hoehn and Yahr stage (p = 0.028).
Conclusions:
Diffusion-derived free fluid and volumetry captured neurodegeneration more consistently than quantitative T1.
