title: Voxel-based Relaxometry of transverse relaxation rate with gradient echo R2(*) in patients with multiple system atrophy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the transverse relaxation rate with gradient echo R2(*) changes in patients with Parkinsonian variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA-P) with a voxel-based analysis of R2(*) map.
  
  
  METHODS
  Whole brain structural images and multi-echo T2(*) weighted image were acquired in 27 patients with probable MSA-P and 24 healthy individuals. R2(*) maps of the MSA-P were compared with the controls by voxel-based methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with the controls, MSA-P patients showed significant R2(*) decrease bilaterally in brain stem, cerebellar hemispheres, insular lobe, temporal lobes, caudate nucleus, and corpus callosum (P<0.005).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  R2(*) can reveal the significant brain involvements of MSA-P. The introduction of gradient echo may increase the sensitivity, although the susceptible artifact may interfere the detection efficiency of R2(*).
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, PUMC Hospital, CAMS and PUMC, Beijing 100730, China.
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: You
authors.forename: Han
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yan-ping
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Hong-yi
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Li-ying
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Feng
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019578:Multiple System Atrophy / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity