MRI comparative study of the progressive supranuclear palsy, striatonigral degeneration and Parkinson disease

Abstract

Objective To provide a reliable differential diagnosis among the progressive supranuclear palsy ( PSP), striatonigral degeneration ( SND ) and Parkinson disease ( PD ) . Methods Conventional MRI data in clinically proved PSP(8 cases), SND(9 cases), PI)( 12 cases)and 12 normal controls were retrospectively analyzed. Midbrain area, pons area, ports diameter and middle eerebellar peduncles width were measured. The ratio of pons area over midbrain area (pons area/midbrain area) was calculated in all patients and normal controls. Then one way ANOVA and a Kruskal-Wallis H test were used for statistical analysis. Results Midbrain area of the PSP group [ (85. 8±12. 0) mm2 ] was the smallest, and there was statistically significant difference ( P 0. 05 ). Conclusion MRI measurements helps in the differential diagnosis among PSP, SND and PD. Key words: Neurodegenerative diseases ; Striatonigral degeneration; Parkinson disease; Magnetic resonance imaging; Diagnosis,differential