Transcranial sonography in carriers of Gaucher disease

Background: Glucocerebrosidase (GBA) mutation is the most common genetic risk factor in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Transcranial sonography (TCS) shows increased substantia nigra (SN) echogenicity in both idiopathic and genetic forms of PD. The goal of this study was to compare maximal area of SN hyperechogenicity (aSNmax) and diameter of third ventricle (DTV) between GBA mutation carriers and healthy controls. Methods: Twenty-six carriers of GBA mutation and twenty-six healthy controls underwent TCS. The aSNmax and the DTV were measured. Mini-mental status examination (MMSE) and demographic data of the subjects were recorded, too. Results: Mean aSNmax in GBA mutation carriers was significantly higher (0.31 ± 0.06 cm(2)) than controls (0.16 ± 0.04 cm(2)). Moreover, DTV was significantly higher in GBA mutation carriers group (3.98 ± 0.90 vs 3.29 ± 0.56 cm). Conclusion: Increased SN echogenicity and increased third ventricle diameter in GBA mutation carriers may be caused by alterations in iron metabolism with reference to their genetic status.