Association of Myelin Disruption and Iron Accumulation on MRI With Parkinson's Disease Severity.

Abstract

Background: Myelin degeneration and iron accumulation are key features of Parkinson's disease (PD), yet their interrelationship and contribution to disease severity remain unclear.

Purpose: To assess alterations in myelin content and iron deposition in PD, investigate their interrelationship and associations with disease severity.

Study type: Retrospective.

Population: Fifty-three PD patients (27 females; median age 67 years) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) (14 females; median age 64 years).

Field strength/sequence: 3-T, two-dimensional section-selective steady-state free precession for MR fingerprinting, three-dimensional multiecho gradient-recalled echo for quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), and 3D T1-weighted gradient echo sequence.

Assessment: Cognitive impairment was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while motor dysfunction was evaluated with the Movement Disorder Society-sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (MDS-UPDRS III). Thirty-five white and gray matter regions of interest (ROIs) were defined using the MNI atlas. Myelin water fraction (MWF) was quantified using multicomponent relaxometry, and iron deposition was assessed via QSM.

Statistical tests: Voxel-wise comparisons were performed between PD and HCs. Stepwise regression analyses explored associations between significantly altered imaging metrics and disease severity. A corrected p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: PD patients showed significantly reduced MWF and increased susceptibility in multiple predefined ROIs. MoCA scores were significantly associated with MWF and T1 in the left thalamus (β = 104.213; β = -0.015), and susceptibility in the left thalamic radiation (β = -107.346). MDS-UPDRS III scores were significantly associated with MWF in the contralateral uncinate fasciculus (β = -130.751) and susceptibility in the internal capsule (β = 267.798). Notably, MWF in the right internal capsule (β = -0.213) and nucleus accumbens (β = -0.302), and T1 in the right internal capsule (β = 0.001) were significantly correlated with susceptibility.

Data conclusion: This study may provide quantitative evidence of myelin loss and iron accumulation in PD. The observed associations between MRF, susceptibility, and disease severity could offer insights into PD pathophysiology.

Level of evidence: 2: Technical Efficacy: Stage 1.