Multiparametric quantitative MRI uncovers putamen microstructural changes in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder dominated by motor and non-motor dysfunction. Despite extensive research, in vivo characterization of PD-related brain microstructure remains a challenge, limiting diagnostic and therapeutic advances. The putamen, a subcortical region crucial for movement regulation, is prominently affected in early PD. Here, we collected multiparametric quantitative MRI (qMRI) data from PD patients and healthy controls, to investigate biophysical alterations in the putamen. Gradient analysis revealed significant spatial variation and interhemispheric asymmetries in biophysical properties – including relaxation rates (R1, R2, R2*), water fraction (WF), susceptibility, MTsat, and diffusion metrics (MD, FA) – along its anterior-posterior axis. PD patients showed altered gradients, particularly increased WF in the posterior putamen, suggesting tissue atrophy or neuroinflammation, and correlating with motor symptom laterality. Our findings highlight the posterior putamen as a PD pathology hotspot and demonstrate the potential of qMRI gradient analysis for detecting clinically relevant brain changes.