Application of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in the Early Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease

Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of diffusion tensor imaging in early Parkinson disease (PD). Methods: There were 18 patients with primary early PD and 18 volunteers as control group. Conventional MR sequences and DTI images were examined. The fractional anisotropy (FA) value and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of the bilateral thalamus, caudate nucleus, substantia nigra, putamen and globus pallidus were evaluated. Results: The FA value of thalamus, caudate nucleus and substantia nigra in PD group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The FA value of bilateral putamen and globus pallidus was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). No significant difference was found in ADC value between the two groups. Conclusion: The changes of FA value in the thalamus, caudate nucleus and substantia nigra can help to recognize and detect PD. This study suggests that DTI may provide valuable clue for early diagnosis of PD.