Prominent White Matter Involvement in Multiple System Atrophy of Cerebellar Type

Advanced Cognitive Patterns in Multiple System Atrophy Compared to Parkinson's Disease: An Individual Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Although both Multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease (PD) belong to alpha-synucleinopathy, they have divergent clinical courses and prognoses. The degeneration of white matter has a considerable impact on cognitive performance, yet it is uncertain how PD and MSA affect its functioning in a similar or different manner.

METHODS

In this study, a total of 116 individuals (37 PD with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI), 37 MSA (parkinsonian variant) with mild cognitive impairment (MSA-MCI), and 42 healthy controls) underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and cognitive assessment. Utilizing probabilistic fiber tracking, association fibers, projection fibers, and thalamic fibers were reconstructed. Subsequently, regression, support vector machine, and SHAP (Shapley Addictive exPlanations) analyzes were conducted to evaluate the association between microstructural diffusion metrics and multiple cognitive domains, thus determining the white matter predictors of MCI.

RESULTS

MSA-MCI patients exhibited distinct white matter impairment extending to the middle cerebellar peduncle, corticospinal tract, and cingulum bundle. Furthermore, the fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD)values of the right anterior thalamic radiation were significantly associated with global efficiency (FA: B = 0.69, P < 0.001, VIF = 1.31; MD: B = -0.53, P = 0.02, VIF = 2.50). The diffusion metrics of white matter between PD-MCI and MSA-MCI proved to be an effective predictor of the MCI, with an accuracy of 0.73 (P < 0.01), and the most predictive factor being the MD of the anterior thalamic radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that MSA-MCI had a more noticeable deterioration in white matter, which potentially linked to various cognitive domain connections. Diffusion MRI could be a useful tool in comprehending the neurological basis of cognitive impairment in Parkinsonian disorders.

White Matter Abnormalities Track Disease Progression in Multiple System Atrophy

BACKGROUND

White matter (WM) abnormalities have been implicated in clinically relevant functional decline in multiple system atrophy (MSA).

OBJECTIVE

To identify the WM and gray matter (GM) abnormalities in MSA and assess the utility of longitudinal structural and diffusion changes as surrogate markers for tracking disease progression in MSA.

METHODS

Twenty-seven participants with early MSA [15 with clinically predominant cerebellar (MSA-C) and 12 with clinically predominant parkinsonian features (MSA-P)] and 14 controls were enrolled as a part of our prospective, longitudinal study of synucleinopathies. Using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion MRI (diffusion tensor and neurite orientation and dispersion density imaging), we analyzed whole and regional brain changes in these participants. We also evaluated temporal imaging trajectories based on up to three annual follow-up scans and assessed the impact of baseline diagnosis on these imaging biomarkers using mixed-effect models.

RESULTS

MSA patients exhibited more widespread WM changes than GM, particularly in the cerebellum and brainstem, with greater severity in MSA-C. Structural and diffusion measures in the cerebellum WM and brainstem deteriorated with disease progression. Rates of progression of these abnormalities were similar in both MSA subtypes, reflecting increasing overlap of clinical features over time.

CONCLUSION

WM abnormalities are core features of MSA disease progression and advance at similar rates in clinical MSA subtypes. Multimodal MRI imaging reveals novel insights into the distribution and pattern of brain abnormalities and their progression in MSA. Selected structural and diffusion measures may be useful for tracking disease progression in MSA clinical trials.

Exploring the Structural Plasticity Mechanism of Corticospinal Tract during Stroke Rehabilitation Based Automated Fiber Quantification Tractography

BACKGROUND

Corticospinal tract (CST) is the principal motor pathway; we aim to explore the structural plasticity mechanism in CST during stroke rehabilitation.

METHODS

A total of 25 patients underwent diffusion tensor imaging before rehabilitation (T1), 1-month post-rehabilitation (T2), 2 months post-rehabilitation (T3), and 1-year post-discharge (T4). The CST was segmented, and fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusion (AD), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were determined using automated fiber quantification tractography. Baseline level of laterality index (LI) and motor function for correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The FA values of all segments in the ipsilesional CST (IL-CST) were lower compared with normal CST. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed time-related effects on FA, AD, and MD of the IL-CST, and there were similar dynamic trends in these 3 parameters. At T1, FA, AD, and MD values of the mid-upper segments of IL-CST (around the core lesions) were the lowest; at T2 and T3, values for the mid-lower segments were lower than those at T1, while the values for the mid-upper segments gradually increased; at T4, the values for almost entire IL-CST were higher than before. The highest LI was observed at T2, with a predominance in contralesional CST. The LIs for the FA and AD at T1 were positively correlated with the change rate of motor function.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-CST showed aggravation followed by improvement from around the lesion to the distal end. Balance of interhemispheric CST may be closely related to motor function, and LIs for FA and AD may have predictive value for mild-to-moderate stroke rehabilitation. Clinical Trial Registration. URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn; Unique Identifier: ChiCTR1800019474.

Rates of change of pons and middle cerebellar peduncle diameters are diagnostic of multiple system atrophy of the cerebellar type

Definitive diagnosis of multiple system atrophy of the cerebellar type (MSA-C) is challenging. We hypothesized that rates of change of pons and middle cerebellar peduncle diameters on MRI would be unique to MSA-C and serve as diagnostic biomarkers. We defined the normative data for anterior-posterior pons and transverse middle cerebellar peduncle diameters on brain MRI in healthy controls, performed diameter-volume correlations and measured intra- and inter-rater reliability. We studied an Exploratory cohort (2002-2014) of 88 MSA-C and 78 other cerebellar ataxia patients, and a Validation cohort (2015-2021) of 49 MSA-C, 13 multiple system atrophy of the parkinsonian type (MSA-P), 99 other cerebellar ataxia patients and 314 non-ataxia patients. We measured anterior-posterior pons and middle cerebellar peduncle diameters on baseline and subsequent MRIs, and correlated results with Brief Ataxia Rating Scale scores. We assessed midbrain:pons and middle cerebellar peduncle:pons ratios over time. The normative anterior-posterior pons diameter was 23.6 ± 1.6 mm, and middle cerebellar peduncle diameter 16.4 ± 1.4 mm. Pons diameter correlated with volume, r = 0.94, P < 0.0001. The anterior-posterior pons and middle cerebellar peduncle measures were smaller at first scan in MSA-C compared to all other ataxias; anterior-posterior pons diameter: Exploratory, 19.3 ± 2.6 mm versus 20.7 ± 2.6 mm, Validation, 19.9 ± 2.1 mm versus 21.1 ± 2.1 mm; middle cerebellar peduncle transverse diameter, Exploratory, 12.0 ± 2.6 mm versus 14.3 ±2.1 mm, Validation, 13.6 ± 2.1 mm versus 15.1 ± 1.8 mm, all P < 0.001. The anterior-posterior pons and middle cerebellar peduncle rates of change were faster in MSA-C than in all other ataxias; anterior-posterior pons diameter rates of change: Exploratory, -0.87 ± 0.04 mm/year versus -0.09 ± 0.02 mm/year, Validation, -0.89 ± 0.48 mm/year versus -0.10 ± 0.21 mm/year; middle cerebellar peduncle transverse diameter rates of change: Exploratory, -0.84 ± 0.05 mm/year versus -0.08 ± 0.02 mm/year, Validation, -0.94 ± 0.64 mm/year versus -0.11 ± 0.27 mm/year, all values P < 0.0001. Anterior-posterior pons and middle cerebellar peduncle diameters were indistinguishable between Possible, Probable and Definite MSA-C. The rate of anterior-posterior pons atrophy was linear, correlating with ataxia severity. Using a lower threshold anterior-posterior pons diameter decrease of -0.4 mm/year to balance sensitivity and specificity, area under the curve analysis discriminating MSA-C from other ataxias was 0.94, yielding sensitivity 0.92 and specificity 0.87. For the middle cerebellar peduncle, with threshold decline -0.5 mm/year, area under the curve was 0.90 yielding sensitivity 0.85 and specificity 0.79. The midbrain:pons ratio increased progressively in MSA-C, whereas the middle cerebellar peduncle:pons ratio was almost unchanged. Anterior-posterior pons and middle cerebellar peduncle diameters were smaller in MSA-C than in MSA-P, P < 0.001. We conclude from this 20-year longitudinal clinical and imaging study that anterior-posterior pons and middle cerebellar peduncle diameters are phenotypic imaging biomarkers of MSA-C. In the correct clinical context, an anterior-posterior pons and transverse middle cerebellar peduncle diameter decline of ∼0.8 mm/year is sufficient for and diagnostic of MSA-C.

Cerebellar Volumetry in Ataxias: Relation to Ataxia Severity and Duration

Cerebellar atrophy is the neuropathological hallmark of most ataxias. Hence, quantifying the volume of the cerebellar grey and white matter is of great interest. In this study, we aim to identify volume differences in the cerebellum between spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), SCA3 and SCA6 as well as multiple system atrophy of cerebellar type (MSA-C). Our cross-sectional data set comprised mutation carriers of SCA1 (N=12), SCA3 (N=62), SCA6 (N=14), as well as MSA-C patients (N=16). Cerebellar volumes were obtained from T1-weighted magnetic resonance images. To compare the different atrophy patterns, we performed a z-transformation and plotted the intercept of each patient group's model at the mean of 7 years of ataxia duration as well as at the mean ataxia severity of 14 points in the SARA sum score. In addition, we plotted the extrapolation at ataxia duration of 0 years as well as 0 points in the SARA sum score. Patients with MSA-C demonstrated the most pronounced volume loss, particularly in the cerebellar white matter, at the late time intercept. Patients with SCA6 showed a pronounced volume loss in cerebellar grey matter with increasing ataxia severity compared to all other patient groups. MSA-C, SCA1 and SCA3 showed a prominent atrophy of the cerebellar white matter. Our results (i) confirmed SCA6 being considered as a pure cerebellar grey matter disease, (ii) emphasise the involvement of cerebellar white matter in the neuropathology of SCA1, SCA3 and MSA-C, and (iii) reflect the rapid clinical progression in MSA-C.

Quantitative cellular changes in multiple system atrophy brains

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by a combined symptomatology of parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia, autonomic failure and corticospinal dysfunction. In brains of MSA patients, the hallmark lesion is the aggregation of misfolded alpha-synuclein in oligodendrocytes. Even though the underlying pathological mechanisms remain poorly understood, the evidence suggests that alpha-synuclein aggregation in oligodendrocytes may contribute to the neurodegeneration seen in MSA. The primary aim of this review is to summarise the published stereological data on the total number of neurons and glial cell subtypes (oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglia) and volumes in brains from MSA patients. Thus, we include in this review exclusively the reports of unbiased quantitative data from brain regions including the neocortex, nuclei of the cerebrum, the brainstem and the cerebellum. Furthermore, we compare and discuss the stereological results in the context of imaging findings and MSA symptomatology. In general, the stereological results agree with the common neuropathological findings of neurodegeneration and gliosis in brains from MSA patients and support a major loss of nigrostriatal neurons in MSA patients with predominant parkinsonism (MSA-P), as well as olivopontocerebellar atrophy in MSA patients with predominant cerebellar ataxia (MSA-C). Surprisingly, the reports indicate only a minor loss of oligodendrocytes in sub-cortical regions of the cerebrum (glial cells not studied in the cerebellum) and negligible changes in brain volumes. In the past decades, the use of stereological methods has provided a vast amount of accurate information on cell numbers and volumes in the brains of MSA patients. Combining different techniques such as stereology and diagnostic imaging (e.g. MRI, PET and SPECT) with clinical data allows for a more detailed interdisciplinary understanding of the disease and illuminates the relationship between neuropathological changes and MSA symptomatology.

Morphological differences between the two major subtypes of multiple system atrophy with cognitive impairment

OBJECTIVE

To compare the neuropathology between two types of multiple system atrophy - parkinsonism-predominant (MSA-P) and cerebellar ataxia-predominant (MSA-C) with cognitive impairment.

MATERIAL & METHODS

35 cases of MSA-P (mean age at death 60.5 ± 7.8 years) and 15 cases of MSA-C (mean age at death 61.3 ± 6.8 years), 35.% of which associated with mild to moderate cognitive impairment and one with severe dementia, were examined neuropathologically with semiquantitative evaluation of both α-synuclein and Alzheimer pathologies, including cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and other co-pathologies.

RESULTS

While the mean age at death of both MSA subgroups was similar, the age at onset and duration of disease were slightly higher in the MSA-C group. In line with the classification, the αSyn pathology glial and neuronal inclusions in both the cortex and brainstem were significantly higher in the MSA-P group. With regard to the Alzheimer disease pathology, tau load in cases with mild to moderate cognitive impairment was slightly but not significantly higher in the MSA-P group, one with severe dementia showing fully developed Alzheimer co-pathology, while the amyloid-β (Aβ) load including the CAA was higher in the MSA-C group. The presence of Lewy co-pathology in this series (20%), being similar to that of other MSA cohorts, was more frequent in MSA cases with mild to severe cognitive impairment, but did not differ between the two subgroups and seems not essentially important for MCI in MSA.

CONCLUSIONS

In agreement with previous clinical studies that reported more severe cognitive dysfunction in patients with MSA-P, the present neuropathological study showed increased tau pathology in MSA-P and one with severe Alzheimer co-pathology, but only slightly increased amyloid pathology in the MSA-C group. Lewy co-pathology was more frequent in MSA-P cases with cognitive decline. In view of the limited data about the pathobiological basis of cognitive impairment in MSA, further studies to elucidate the differences between the two phenotypes are urgently needed.

Evolution of Clinical Outcome Measures and Biomarkers in Sporadic Adult-Onset Degenerative Ataxia

BACKGROUND

Sporadic adult-onset ataxias without known genetic or acquired cause are subdivided into multiple system atrophy of cerebellar type (MSA-C) and sporadic adult-onset ataxia of unknown etiology (SAOA).

OBJECTIVES

To study the differential evolution of both conditions including plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers.

METHODS

SPORTAX is a prospective registry of sporadic ataxia patients with an onset >40 years. Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia was the primary outcome measure. In subgroups, blood samples were taken and MRIs performed. Plasma NfL was measured via a single molecule assay. Regional brain volumes were automatically measured. To assess signal changes, we defined the pons and middle cerebellar peduncle abnormality score (PMAS). Using mixed-effects models, we analyzed changes on a time scale starting with ataxia onset.

RESULTS

Of 404 patients without genetic diagnosis, 130 met criteria of probable MSA-C at baseline and 26 during follow-up suggesting clinical conversion to MSA-C. The remaining 248 were classified as SAOA. At baseline, NfL, cerebellar white matter (CWM) and pons volume, and PMAS separated MSA-C from SAOA. NfL decreased in MSA-C and did not change in SAOA. CWM and pons volume decreased faster, whereas PMAS increased faster in MSA-C. In MSA-C, pons volume had highest sensitivity to change, and PMAS was a predictor of faster progression. Fulfillment of possible MSA criteria, NfL and PMAS were risk factors, CWM and pons volume protective factors for conversion to MSA-C.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides detailed information on differential evolution and prognostic relevance of biomarkers in MSA-C and SAOA. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Is Associated with Motor, Cognitive, and Emotional Dysfunction in Multiple System Atrophy

BACKGROUND

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) has not been systematically studied in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA).

OBJECTIVE

We sought to explore whether MSA patients suffer from a heavier CSVD burden relative to healthy individuals and whether CSVD has a relationship with motor, cognitive, and emotional dysfunction in patients with MSA.

METHODS

This study consecutively recruited 190 MSA patients and 190 matched healthy controls whose overall CSVD burden and single CSVD imaging markers (including white matter hyperintensity (WMH), microbleeds, lacunes, and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS)) were measured. Of the MSA patients, 118 completed multi-dimensional outcome assessments. Spearman's correlations and multivariable linear regressions were performed.

RESULTS

We observed a greater burden of overall CSVD, WMH, and EPVS in MSA patients compared with controls, but not for microbleeds and lacunes. Motor dysfunction and cognitive impairment were significantly worse in subjects with severe CSVD than those with none-to-mild CSVD. In patients with MSA, the severity of CSVD burden was positively associated with motor impairments as measured by the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale-II (β= 2.430, p = 0.039) and Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (β= 1.882, p = 0.015). Of CSVD imaging markers, different associations with MSA outcomes were displayed. WMH was associated with motor, cognitive, and emotional deficits, while the EPVS in the centrum semiovale, basal ganglia, and hippocampus regions was correlated only with motor severity, anxiety, and cognition, respectively. Similar findings were noted in MSA-cerebellar and MSA-parkinsonian patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant CSVD may be correlated with worse multi-dimensional dysfunction in patients with MSA.

CerebNet: A fast and reliable deep-learning pipeline for detailed cerebellum sub-segmentation

Quantifying the volume of the cerebellum and its lobes is of profound interest in various neurodegenerative and acquired diseases. Especially for the most common spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA), for which the first antisense oligonculeotide-base gene silencing trial has recently started, there is an urgent need for quantitative, sensitive imaging markers at pre-symptomatic stages for stratification and treatment assessment. This work introduces CerebNet, a fully automated, extensively validated, deep learning method for the lobular segmentation of the cerebellum, including the separation of gray and white matter. For training, validation, and testing, T1-weighted images from 30 participants were manually annotated into cerebellar lobules and vermal sub-segments, as well as cerebellar white matter. CerebNet combines FastSurferCNN, a UNet-based 2.5D segmentation network, with extensive data augmentation, e.g. realistic non-linear deformations to increase the anatomical variety, eliminating additional preprocessing steps, such as spatial normalization or bias field correction. CerebNet demonstrates a high accuracy (on average 0.87 Dice and 1.742mm Robust Hausdorff Distance across all structures) outperforming state-of-the-art approaches. Furthermore, it shows high test-retest reliability (average ICC >0.97 on OASIS and Kirby) as well as high sensitivity to disease effects, including the pre-ataxic stage of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). CerebNet is compatible with FreeSurfer and FastSurfer and can analyze a 3D volume within seconds on a consumer GPU in an end-to-end fashion, thus providing an efficient and validated solution for assessing cerebellum sub-structure volumes. We make CerebNet available as source-code (https://github.com/Deep-MI/FastSurfer).

Overview of the Clinical Approach to Individuals With Cerebellar Ataxia and Neuropathy

Increasingly, cerebellar syndromes are recognized as affecting multiple systems. Extracerebellar features include peripheral neuropathies affecting proprioception; cranial neuropathies such as auditory and vestibular; and neuronopathies, for example, dorsal root and vestibular. The presence of such features, which in and of themselves may cause ataxia, likely contribute to key disabilities such as gait instability and falls. Based on the evolving available literature and experience, we outline a clinical approach to the diagnosis of adult-onset ataxia where a combination of cerebellar and peripheral or cranial nerve pathology exists. Objective diagnostic modalities including electrophysiology, oculomotor, and vestibular function testing are invaluable in accurately defining an individual's phenotype. Advances in MRI techniques have led to an increased recognition of disease-specific patterns of cerebellar pathology, including those conditions where neuronopathies may be involved. Depending on availability, a stepwise approach to genetic testing is suggested. This is guided by factors such as pattern of inheritance and age at disease onset, and genetic testing may range from specific genetic panels through to whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing. Management is best performed with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team, aiming at minimization of complications such as falls and aspiration pneumonia and maximizing functional status.

Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Microstructural Abnormalities in Multiple System Atrophy: A Comprehensive Review

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by autonomic failure, ataxia, and/or parkinsonism. Its prominent pathological alterations can be investigated using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI), a technique that exploits the characteristics of water random motion inside brain tissue. The aim of this report was to review currently available literature on the application of dMRI in MSA and to describe microstructural abnormalities, diagnostic applications, and pathophysiological correlates. Sixty-four published studies involving microstructural investigation using dMRI in MSA were included. Widespread microstructural abnormalities of white matter were described, especially in the middle cerebellar peduncle, corticospinal tract, and hemispheric fibers. Gray matter degeneration was identified as well, with diffuse involvement of subcortical structures, especially in the putamina. Diagnostic applications of dMRI were mostly explored for the differential diagnosis between MSA parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease. Recently, machine learning algorithms for image processing and disease classification have demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy, showing potential for translation into clinical practice. To a lesser extent, clinical correlates of microstructural abnormalities have also been investigated, and abnormalities related to motor, ocular, and cognitive impairments were described. dMRI in MSA has contributed to in vivo identification of known pathological abnormalities. Translation into clinical practice of the latest advancements for the differential diagnosis between MSA and other forms of parkinsonism seems feasible. Current limitations involve the possibility of correctly diagnosing MSA in the very early stages, when the clinical diagnosis is most uncertain. Furthermore, pathophysiological correlates of microstructural abnormalities remain understudied. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Combined functional and structural imaging of brain white matter reveals stage-dependent impairment in multiple system atrophy of cerebellar type

Advances in fMRI of brain white matter (WM) have established the feasibility of understanding how functional signals of WM evolve with brain diseases. By combining functional signals with structural features of WM, the current study characterizes functional and structural impairments of WM in cerebelar type multiple system atrophy, with the goal to derive new mechanistic insights into the pathological progression of this disease. Our analysis of 30 well-diagnosed patients revealed pronounced decreases in functional connectivity in WM bundles of the cerebellum and brainstem, and concomitant local structural alterations that depended on the disease stage. The novel findings implicate a critical time point in the pathological evolution of the disease, which could guide optimal therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, fMRI signals of impaired WM bundles exhibited superior sensitivity in differentiating initial disease development, which demonstrates great potential of using these signals to inform disease management.

Abca8b promotes myelination via regulation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 localization in oligodendrocyte precursor cells in mice

The myelin sheath, which is wrapped around axons, is a lipid-enriched structure produced by mature oligodendrocytes. Disruption of the myelin sheath is observed in several neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. A crucial component of myelin is sphingomyelin, levels of which can be increased by ABCA8, a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter family. ABCA8 is highly expressed in the cerebellum, specifically in oligodendroglia. However, whether ABCA8 plays a role in myelination and mechanisms that would underlie this role remain unknown. Here, we found that the absence of Abca8b, a mouse ortholog of ABCA8, led to decreased numbers of cerebellar oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and mature oligodendrocytes in mice. We show that in oligodendrocytes, ABCA8 interacts with chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), a molecule essential for OPC proliferation, migration, and myelination. In the absence of Abca8b, localization of CSPG4 to the plasma membrane was decreased, contributing to reduced cerebellar CSPG4 expression. Cerebellar CSPG4+ OPCs were also diminished, leading to decreased mature myelinating oligodendrocyte numbers and cerebellar myelination levels in Abca8b^−/− mice. In addition, electron microscopy analyses showed that the number of nonmyelinated cerebellar axons was increased, whereas cerebellar myelin thickness (g-ratio), myelin sheath periodicity, and axonal diameter were all decreased, indicative of disordered myelin ultrastructure. In line with disrupted cerebellar myelination, Abca8b^−/− mice showed lower cerebellar conduction velocity and disturbed locomotion. In summary, ABCA8 modulates cerebellar myelination, in part through functional regulation of the ABCA8-interacting protein CSPG4. Our findings suggest that ABCA8 disruption may contribute to the pathophysiology of myelin disorders.

Magnetic resonance T1w/T2w ratio and voxel-based morphometry in multiple system atrophy

Diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) may be improved by using multimodal imaging approaches. We investigated the use of T1-weighted/T2-weighted (T1w/T2w) images ratio combined with voxel-based morphometry to evaluate brain tissue integrity in MSA compared to Parkinson’s disease (PD) and healthy controls (HC). Twenty-six patients with MSA, 43 patients with PD and 56 HC were enrolled. Whole brain voxel-based and local regional analyses were performed to evaluate gray and white matter (GM and WM) tissue integrity and mean regional values were used for patients classification using logistic regression. Increased mean regional values of T1w/T2w in bilateral putamen were detected in MSA-P compared to PD and HC. The combined use of regional GM and T1w/T2w values in the right and left putamen showed the highest accuracy in discriminating MSA-P from PD and good accuracy in discriminating MSA from PD and HC. A good accuracy was also found in discriminating MSA from PD and HC by either combining regional GM and T1w/T2w values in the cerebellum or regional WM and T1w/T2w in the cerebellum and brainstem. The T1w/T2w image ratio alone or combined with validated MRI parameters can be further considered as a potential candidate biomarker for differential diagnosis of MSA.

MR imaging and spectroscopy in degenerative ataxias: toward multimodal, multisite, multistage monitoring of neurodegeneration

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Degenerative ataxias are rare and currently untreatable movement disorders, primarily characterized by neurodegeneration in the cerebellum and brainstem. We highlight MRI studies with the most potential for utility in pending ataxia trials and underscore advances in disease characterization and diagnostics in the field.

RECENT FINDINGS

With availability of advanced MRI acquisition methods and specialized software dedicated to the analysis of MRI of the cerebellum, patterns of cerebellar atrophy in different degenerative ataxias are increasingly well defined. The field further embraced rigorous multimodal investigations to study network-level microstructural and functional brain changes and their neurochemical correlates. MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy were shown to be more sensitive to disease progression than clinical scales and to detect abnormalities in premanifest mutation carriers.

SUMMARY

Magnetic resonance techniques are increasingly well placed for characterizing the expression and progression of degenerative ataxias. The most impactful work has arguably come through multi-institutional studies that monitor relatively large cohorts, multimodal investigations that assess the sensitivity of different measures and their interrelationships, and novel imaging approaches that are targeted to known pathophysiology (e.g., iron and spinal imaging in Friedreich ataxia). These multimodal, multi-institutional studies are paving the way to clinical trial readiness and enhanced understanding of disease in degenerative ataxias.