title: Magnetization transfer and adiabatic R 1ρ MRI in the brainstem of Parkinson's disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In addition to classic midbrain pathology, Parkinson's disease (PD) is accompanied by changes in pontine and medullary brainstem structures. These additional abnormalities may underlie non-motor features as well as play a role in motor disability.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods based on rotating frame adiabatic R(1ρ) (i.e., measurements of longitudinal relaxation during adiabatic full passage pulses) and modified magnetization transfer (MT) MRI mapping, we sought to identify brainstem alterations in nine individuals with mild-moderate PD (off medication) and ten age-matched controls at 4 T.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We discovered significant differences in MRI parameters between midbrain and medullary brainstem structures in control subjects as compared to PD patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings support the presence of underlying functional/structural brainstem changes in mild-moderate PD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, MMC 295, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. tuite002@umn.edu
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Tuite
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mangia
authors.forename: Andrew E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Tyan
authors.forename: Michael K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garwood
authors.forename: Shalom
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Michaeli
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001931:Brain Mapping; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012063:Relaxation / Q000502:physiology