Wilhelm Harald Flatz MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Stefan Teipel, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Olaf Dietrich, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Stefan Oswald Schoenberg MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Harald Hampel, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maximilian Ferdinand Reiser MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The objective of our study was to detect and evaluate neuron loss of cholinergic brain structures in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in vivo using image regression analysis and voxel-based morphometry.

13 formerly untreated patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and 12 healthy age-matched control subjects were examined in a prospective study. MRI was performed using a 1.5 T scanner acquiring primarily sagittal T1-weighted images (MPRAGE) and a proton weighted MRI sequence oriented perpendicular to the AC-PC-line (in-plane resolution 0.7 mm, slice thickness 3 mm). For the quantitative data analysis, we used an approach based on the combination of voxel-based morphometry and region of interest analysis (image regression analysis). Additionally voxel-based morphometry of the cortex was applied.

Significant decrease of signal intensity was found in the medial and lateral part of the substantia innominata, corresponding to the location of the Nucleus basalis Meynert, in AD patients relative to controls (p<0.03). The signal intensity in the anterior lateral substantia innominata was significantly correlated with grey matter volume loss in the bilateral prefrontal cortex, inferior parietal lobule and cingulate gyrus.

Signal changes in the Substantia innominata can be detected using image regression analysis based on MRI imaging. This findings may correspond to cholingergic neuron loss in Nucleus basalis Meynert in Alzheimer’s disease and may serve as a basis for future measurement of disease modifying effects of the pharmacological treatment of AD.

MRI of the basal forebrain can be used for detection of cholinergic neuron loss in Alzheimer's Disease and may be used to determine changes over time and their correlation to cortical brain atrophy.

Flatz, W, Teipel, S, Dietrich, O, Schoenberg, S, Hampel, H, Reiser, M, Evaluation of Basal Forebrain Atrophy in Alzheimer’s Disease Using MRI.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4441267.html