Imaging of nigrosome 1 in substantia nigra at 3T using multiecho susceptibility map-weighted imaging (SMWI)

Abstract

PurposeTo enhance the visibility of nigrosome 1 in substantia nigra, which has recently been suggested as an imaging biomarker for Parkinson's disease (PD) at 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and MethodsThe substantia nigra structure was visualized at 3T MRI using multiecho susceptibility map-weighted imaging (SMWI) in 15 healthy volunteers and 6 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The visibility of nigrosome 1 was further enhanced by acquiring data in an oblique-coronal imaging plane at a high spatial resolution (0.5 x 0.5 x 1.0mm(3)). To compare the visibility, the contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) of the nigrosome 1 structure relative to the neighboring substantia nigra structure were evaluated in the SMWI and other conventional susceptibility contrast images (magnitude, frequency, quantitative susceptibility map [QSM] and susceptibility-weighted image). ResultsIn healthy volunteers, the CNRs of the nigrosome 1 structure were 1.040.38, 0.840.32, 1.040.40, 0.860.41, and 1.45 +/- 0.48 for magnitude, frequency, quantitative susceptibility map, susceptibility-weighted image, and SMWI, respectively. Compared to conventional susceptibility contrast images, the SMWI method significantly improved the CNR of nigrosome 1 (P=0.014 for magnitude, P=0.030 for QSM, and P < 0.001 for frequency and SWI, respectively). The magnetic susceptibility difference between nigrosome 1 and neighboring substantia nigra structures was 0.037 +/- 0.016ppm (measured in QSM, P < 0.001) in healthy volunteers. In the PD patients, the visibility of the nigrosome 1 structures was reduced. ConclusionThe SMWI method enhances the visibility of nigrosome 1 structures at 3T MRI when compared to conventional susceptibility contrast images. Level of Evidence: 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:528-536