Miriam Peckham MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Barbara Ann Holshouser PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Khashayar Dashtipour MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alexander Boscanin BS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Nicole Gatto PhD, MPH, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Camellia Kani, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kayvan Kani MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sheri L. Harder MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To determine if susceptibility (iron deposition) in the striatonigral tract in patients with Parkinson's Disease is different from age matched controls.

MRI's of the brain were obtained from 22 patients consisting of 12 Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients and 10 age-matched controls. Susceptibility measurements were made along the striatonigral tract (SNT) using SWI mapping software (SWIM) by investigators blinded to the status of the patients. Maximum and mean values were recorded from both SNT in each 2 mm axial slice spanning from its origin at the globus pallidus to its junction with the substantia nigra (SN). Measurements stopped being acquired at the level where the red nucleus was no longer visualized. Values were analyzed by an unblinded statistician to evaluate iron deposition patterns of the tract and at the SNT/SN junction.

Measurements obtained of the SNT showed a trend of increased susceptibility at the inferior aspect of the tract in comparison to the more superior aspect of the tract in PD patients, while the control patients had a more homogeneous appearance. The standard deviation of maximum values related to the right SNT were significantly increased in PD patients compared to controls (p-value <0.05). The right SNT/SN junction in PD patients demonstrated significantly increased susceptibility.  

There was significantly increased iron deposition at the most inferior levels of the SNT in PD patients compared to controls, as measured by susceptibility changes.

The abnormal distribution of iron deposition along the SNT may be related to dysfunction of axonal transport and play a role in the pathogenesis of PD.

Peckham, M, Holshouser, B, Dashtipour, K, Boscanin, A, Gatto, N, Kani, C, Kani, K, Harder, S, Abnormal Patterns of Iron Deposition in the Striatonigral Tract in Parkinson's Disease.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14003674.html