Objective: To evaluate whether the hyperechogenic size of the substantia nigra changes with time in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APSs), such as multiple system atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

Background: Hyperechogenicity of the substantia nigra (SN) in transcranial sonography (TCS) is observed more frequently inpatients with PD compared with patients with APS. Several previous studies showed that the SN hyperechogenisity area did not change during the disease course. However, it remains unclear whether or not the SN hyperechogenic areas change in patients with APS.

Methods: The patients with PD-related disorders who underwent TCS twice (at least 6 months apart) during the disease course were enrolled in this study. Patients with insufficient temporal bone windows were excluded. A total of 20 parkinsonian patients (PD 13, age 69.5±9.6 years; APS 7, age 72.1±7.8 years) were included.

Results:  The mean interval of the examinations was 24.0±14.3 months. No differences were detected between the first and second examination in the SN hyperechogenicity area (total patients, 0.17±0.10 cm2 vs 0.16±0.10 cm2, p=0.53; PD, 0.19±0.11 cm2 vs 0.18±0.12 cm2, p=0.62; APS, 0.13±0.09 cm2 vs 0.12±0.08 cm2, p=0.74, respectively). In both groups, there was no correlation between disease duration, severity and the SN hyperechogenicity area.

Conclusions: SN hyperehogenicity area did not change during the disease course in patients with PD and APS.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/a-follow-up-study-of-hyperechogenicity-of-the-substantia-nigra-in-parkinsons-disease-and-atypical-parkinsonian-syndrome/