Transcranial sonography in atypical parkinsonism: How reliable is it in real clinical practice? A multicentre comprehensive study. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alonso-Canovas, Araceli; Tembl Ferrairó, José Ignacio; Martínez-Torres, Irene; Lopez-Sendon Moreno, Jose Luis; Parees-Moreno, Isabel; Monreal-Laguillo, Enric; Pérez-Torre, Paula; Toledano Delgado, Rafael; García Ribas, Guillermo; Sastre Bataller, Isabel; Masjuan, Jaime; Martinez-Castrillo, Juan Carlos; Walter, Uwe
• Is Part Of: Parkinsonism & related disorders. Volume 68(2019)
• Page Start: 40
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Atypical parkinsonism -- Transcranial sonography -- Substantia nigra hyperechogenicity -- Lenticular nucleus -- Third ventricle -- Parkinson's disease; Parkinson's disease -- Periodicals; Movement disorders -- Periodicals; Movement Disorders -- Periodicals; Nerve Degeneration -- Periodicals; Nervous System Diseases -- Periodicals; Parkinson Disease -- Periodicals; Tremor -- Periodicals; Parkinson, Maladie de -- Périodiques; Parkinson's disease; 616.833
• DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2019.09.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8020

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Substantia nigra hyperechogenicity (SN+) in transcranial sonography (TCS) is frequent in Parkinson's disease (PD), while lenticular nucleus hyperechogenicity (LN+) and 3rd ventricle enlargement (3V+) are typical of Atypical Parkinsonisms (AP). However, there are no studies assessing the diagnostic yield of all TCS biomarkers in the three AP (progressive supranuclear palsy, PSP, multiple system atrophy, MSA, corticobasal degeneration, CBD). Previous references lack homogeneous criteria and data are incomprehensive. Methods: Analysis of TCS performed in routine clinical practice in AP and PD patients from two tertiary hospitals. Expert recommendations were strictly followed. Previous literature was critically analysed. Results: 155 AP (98 PSP, 40 MSA, 14 CBD), 254 PD, 145 control subjects were included. We confirmed good sensitivity for SN+ in PD (80%), but specificity was lower than reported (61%). LN+ and 3V + had moderate sensitivity for AP and PSP diagnosis respectively (65%, 63%), but specificity was higher than reported (87%, 91%). We confirmed high specificity and positive predictive value of the combination SN/LN (98%, 93% AP; 83%, 86% PD). The combinations of two or three echofeatures, previously unreported, showed high specificity but lower sensitivity (SN/3V: 75% sensitivity, 87% specificity PD; 42% sensitivity, 98% specificity PSP) (SN + LN+: 79% sensitivity, 86% specificity CBD) (SN/3V/LN: 67% sensitivity, 89% specificity PD; 29% sensitivity, 99% specificity PSP; 41% sensitivity, 95% specificity MSA; 57% sensitivity 91% specificity CBD). Conclusions: We present a large comprehensive study of TCS, confirming its usefulness and certain limitations in AP diagnosis. Adherence to consensus criteria is critical to implement TCS for clinical and research purposes. Highlights: Real clinical practice TCS study of the largest sample of atypical parkinsonism and PD to date. Diagnostic reliability of combinations of SN, 3V, LN was assessed for the first time. Previous literature was systematically analysed and potential pitfalls criticised. SN had higher sensitivity but lower specificity for PD diagnosis than previously reported. Combinations of 2/3 echofeatures reached high specificity for AP diagnosis (>90%).