Neuroimaging in Parkinson's disease

J Neural Transm Suppl. 2006:(70):241-8.

Abstract

Structural imaging studies often reveal relatively limited findings in Parkinsonian disorders, as the most profound changes are neurochemical and hence better revealed by functional studies such as PET or SPECT. However, newer magnetic resonance techniques such as spectroscopy, diffusion weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging and magnetization transfer have shown promise in differentiating between idiopathic Parkinson's and the atypical parkinsonian disorders such as multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy. We review here recent advances in functional imaging as well as in structural studies of basal ganglia disorders. Functional studies may give insights into mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis, as well as neurochemical alterations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Movement Disorders / pathology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / pathology
  • Parkinson Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Parkinson Disease / genetics
  • Parkinson Disease / pathology*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Substantia Nigra / pathology