Abstract
Background: Skull density ratio (SDR) is one of the key factors for the success of MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treatment for brain diseases. We examined the efficacy of alendronate (Aln) to improve a SDR value. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 6 Parkinson’s disease patients (2 men, 4 women, 70.7 ± 7.7 years old) and 1 essential tremor patient (1 man, 81 years old). Despite of desire to MRgFUS treatment, we could not schedule their treatments because their SDR values were too low. As they coexisted with untreated osteoporosis, we administered 35 mg of Aln weekly and followed their SDR values every 3 months. Results: The SDR value elevated in 4 patients following the administration of Aln and we could perform MRgFUS treatment successfully. No adverse reactions related with Aln were observed. Conclusion: Although it will take several months, Aln may be a useful option for MRgFUS candidates with a low SDR value.
Highlights
Transcranial MRI–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a novel neurosurgical tool based on the technology by Fry brothers [1]
Conclusion: it will take several months, Aln may be a useful option for MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) candidates with a low Skull density ratio (SDR) value
There are two key factors determining the success of MRgFUS treatment for brain diseases: the skull volume and skull density ratio (SDR) [9]
Summary
Transcranial MRI–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a novel neurosurgical tool based on the technology by Fry brothers [1]. It consists of high intensity ultrasound for ablation, MR imaging for confirming target location, and MR thermography for realtime monitoring of thermal process. There are two key factors determining the success of MRgFUS treatment for brain diseases: the skull volume and skull density ratio (SDR) [9]. We report a preliminary research on the efficacy of alendronate (Aln), one of the popular bisphosphonates for osteoporosis, to elevate the SDR value in patients of PD and ET. Skull density ratio (SDR) is one of the key factors for the success of MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treatment for brain diseases. We examined the efficacy of alendronate (Aln) to improve a SDR value
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