Pathological substrate for regional distribution of increased atrophy rates in progressive supranuclear palsy. Issue 12 (16th November 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paviour, D C; Schott, J M; Stevens, J M; Revesz, T; Holton, J L; Rossor, M N; Lees, A J; Fox, N C
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 75:Issue 12(2004)
• Page Start: 1772
• Page End: 1775
• Publication Date: 2004-11-16
• Subjects: AD, Alzheimer's disease -- GP, globus pallidus -- LC, locus ceruleus -- NFT, neurofibrillary tangle -- NT, neuropil thread -- PSP, progressive supranuclear palsy -- STN, subthalamic nucleus; magnetic resonance imaging -- progressive supranuclear palsy; Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2003.033472
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Most magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) are cross-sectional and lack post mortem confirmation of the diagnosis. MRI features described previously in PSP correspond to regions of pathological involvement demonstrated in separate studies, but serial MRI with pathological follow up has not been undertaken. Objective: To investigate whether regions of increased atrophy rates demonstrated in PSP during life using fluid registered serial MRI correspond with pathological findings in confirmed PSP. Methods: A 59 year old male presented with a six month history of balance problems and dysarthria. He had a symmetrical, levodopa unresponsive akinetic-rigid syndrome with a vertical supranuclear gaze palsy. A clinical diagnosis of probable PSP was made. His disease progressed relentlessly and he died five years after onset. Two serial MRI scans undertaken during life were reviewed and fluid (non-linear) registration of the images carried out. Post mortem histopathological analysis of the brain was undertaken to definitively confirm the diagnosis and compare regional pathology with the serial imaging. Results: Fluid registration demonstrated greatest rates of atrophy in the brainstem and frontal cortex, in keeping with the distribution of pathology seen at autopsy. Conclusion: Fluid registration of serial MRI allows the topography and rates of regional atrophy in PSP to be delineated in life. Atrophy patterns correlated well with regional pathological load. These observations suggest that serial MRI with registration may help differentiate PSP from clinically similar conditions and supports its use as a surrogate marker of disease progression.