Magnetic resonance imaging in Parkinson's disease
S. J. Huber, D. W. Chakeres, G. W. Paulson and R. Khanna
Department of Neurology, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus.
Magnetic resonance imaging was utilized to examine changes in the pars
compacta associated with Parkinson's disease. We found a reduction in
average width of the pars compacta in advanced- but not early-stage
patients. Conversely, a significant difference in width (right minus left)
was observed in early- but not late-stage patients. Width asymmetry may be
a sensitive magnetic resonance imaging indicator for the early detection of
Parkinson's disease when there is a predominance of unilateral clinical
symptoms.
