Altered Diffusion in the Frontal Lobe in Parkinson Disease

• DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a0850
• Publication Date: 2008-01-18T01:54:05Z
• Authors: A.T. Karagulle Kendi; S. Lehericy; M. Luciana; K. Ugurbil; P. Tuite
• Keywords: Frontal lobe

<b>BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:</b> Parkinson disease (PD) is characterized by basal ganglia abnormalities. However, there are neurodegenerative changes in PD that extend beyond the and not sufficiently evaluated with standard MR imaging. The aim of this study was to characterize whole-brain gray matter (GM) white (WM) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). <b>MATERIALS METHODS:</b> Thirteen control 12 subjects nondemented were examined DTI 3D anatomic T1-weighted images. Statistical parametric mapping analyses images performed. Patients a variety neurocognitive measures Unified Parkinson9s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) OFF (cessation medication) ON (taking medications as normal) their antiparkinsonian medications. <b>RESULTS:</b> participants had dopa-responsive features ascertained UPDRS versus no cognitive impairment. Decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) observed bilaterally frontal lobes, including supplementary motor area, presupplementary cingulum. There significant differences mean diffusivity or GM/WM attenuation between controls. <b>CONCLUSION:</b> analysis showed FA areas without volume loss. These results confirm process extends PD.