Lessons of ALS imaging: Pitfalls and future directions - A critical review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

While neuroimaging in ALS has gained unprecedented momentum in recent years, little progress has been made in the development of viable diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring markers.

Objectives

To identify and discuss the common pitfalls in ALS imaging studies and to reflect on optimal study designs based on pioneering studies.

Methods

A "PubMed"-based literature search on ALS was performed based on neuroimaging-related keywords. Study limitations were systematically reviewed and classified so that stereotypical trends could be identified.

Results

Common shortcomings, such as relatively small sample sizes, statistically underpowered study designs, lack of disease controls, poorly characterised patient cohorts and a large number of conflicting studies

SUBMITTER: Bede P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3950559 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature