Genetic and constitutional factors are major contributors to substantia nigra hyperechogenicity.

ABSTRACT: Hyperechogenicity of substantia nigra (SNh) is a frequent finding in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD) and other movement disorders (MD) patients, but its meaning is unclear. To ascertain the contribution of different factors to SNh area, we measured it in 108 ALS, 102 PD, 91 other MD patients and 91 healthy controls. Demographical data were collected in all patients and controls. In ALS patients, we also recorded clinical variables, performed genetic analysis and measured baseline levels of ferritin. After family history and genetic testing, ALS patients were classified as familial (15) or sporadic (93). ALS, PD and other MD patients had a larger SNh area than controls. Left SNh and male gender, but not age, associated with larger SNh area in both patients and

SUBMITTER: Vazquez-Costa JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5541052 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature