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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Jacopo Pasquini, Dr Michael FirbankORCiD, Professor Nicola PaveseORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by autonomic failure, ataxia, and/or parkinsonism. Its prominent pathological alterations can be investigated using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI), a technique that exploits the characteristics of water random motion inside brain tissue. The aim of this report was to review currently available literature on the application of dMRI in MSA and to describe microstructural abnormalities, diagnostic applications, and pathophysiological correlates. Sixty-four published studies involving microstructural investigation using dMRI in MSA were included. Widespread microstructural abnormalities of white matter were described, especially in the middle cerebellar peduncle, corticospinal tract, and hemispheric fibers. Gray matter degeneration was identified as well, with diffuse involvement of subcortical structures, especially in the putamina. Diagnostic applications of dMRI were mostly explored for the differential diagnosis between MSA parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease. Recently, machine learning algorithms for image processing and disease classification have demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy, showing potential for translation into clinical practice. To a lesser extent, clinical correlates of microstructural abnormalities have also been investigated, and abnormalities related to motor, ocular, and cognitive impairments were described. dMRI in MSA has contributed to in vivo identification of known pathological abnormalities. Translation into clinical practice of the latest advancements for the differential diagnosis between MSA and other forms of parkinsonism seems feasible. Current limitations involve the possibility of correctly diagnosing MSA in the very early stages, when the clinical diagnosis is most uncertain. Furthermore, pathophysiological correlates of microstructural abnormalities remain understudied. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Author(s): Pasquini J, Firbank MJ, Ceravolo R, Silani V, Pavese N
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Movement Disorders
Year: 2022
Pages: Epub ahead of print
Online publication date: 29/08/2022
Acceptance date: 01/08/2022
ISSN (print): 0885-3185
ISSN (electronic): 1531-8257
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Inc
URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.29195
DOI: 10.1002/mds.29195
PubMed id: 36036378
