Parkinson' disease
General description
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The disease typically follows a gradual progressive course, with cardinal motor manifestations including resting tremor, cogwheel rigidity, akinesia, and postural instability. Additionally, non-motor symptoms such as autonomic dysfunction and psychiatric disturbances may occur.
Neuromelanin imaging
-
Substantia nigra
-
BrainstemPonsLocus coeruleus
On neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging sequences, a decrease in the physiological hyperintense signal is observed within the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus regions.
DAT scan
-
Caudate nucleus
-
Putamen
In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging typically demonstrates decreased and asymmetric striatal uptake in the contralateral striatum to the symptomatic side.