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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

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01-12-2011 | Original Article

Brain perfusion correlates of cognitive and nigrostriatal functions in de novo Parkinson’s disease

Authors: Flavio Nobili, Dario Arnaldi, Claudio Campus, Michela Ferrara, Fabrizio De Carli, Andrea Brugnolo, Barbara Dessi, Nicola Girtler, Silvia Morbelli, Giovanni Abruzzese, Gianmario Sambuceti, Guido Rodriguez

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 12/2011

Abstract

Purpose

Subtle cognitive impairment is recognized in the first stages of Parkinson’s disease (PD), including executive, memory and visuospatial dysfunction, but its pathophysiological basis is still debated.

Methods

Twenty-six consecutive, drug-naïve, de novo PD patients underwent an extended neuropsychological battery, dopamine transporter (DAT) and brain perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). We previously reported that nigrocaudate impairment correlates with executive functions, and nigroputaminal impairment with visuospatial abilities. Here perfusion SPECT was first compared between the PD group and age-matched controls (CTR). Then, perfusion SPECT was correlated with both DAT SPECT and four neuropsychological factors by means of voxel-based analysis (SPM8) with a height threshold of p < 0.005 at peak level and p < 0.05 false discovery rate-corrected at cluster level. Both perfusion and DAT SPECT images were flipped in order to have the more affected hemisphere (MAH), defined clinically, on the same side.

Results

Significant hypoperfusion was found in an occipital area of the MAH in PD patients as compared to CTR. Executive functions directly correlated with brain perfusion in bilateral posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus in the less affected hemisphere (LAH), while verbal memory directly correlated with perfusion in the precuneus, inferior parietal lobule and superior temporal gyrus in the LAH. Furthermore, positive correlation was highlighted between nigrocaudate and nigroputaminal impairment and brain perfusion in the precuneus, posterior cingulate and parahippocampal gyri of the LAH.

Conclusion

These data support the evidence showing an early involvement of the cholinergic system in the early cognitive dysfunction and point to a more relevant role of parietal lobes and posterior cingulate in executive functions in PD.

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Title: Brain perfusion correlates of cognitive and nigrostriatal functions in de novo Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Flavio Nobili
Dario Arnaldi
Claudio Campus
Michela Ferrara
Fabrizio De Carli
Andrea Brugnolo
Barbara Dessi
Nicola Girtler
Silvia Morbelli
Giovanni Abruzzese
Gianmario Sambuceti
Guido Rodriguez
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 12/2011
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-011-1874-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Brain perfusion correlates of cognitive and nigrostriatal functions in de novo Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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