Detailed Anatomical Volumetric Study of Deep Nuclei of Brain and Other Structures Between Parkinson’s Disease Patients Who Had Deep Brain Stimulation and Control Group

BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) was pioneered by Neuroscience team of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) nearly a decade ago to treat advanced medically refractory idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) patients. OBJECTIVES: Brain volume reduction occurs with age, especially in Parkinson plus syndrome or psychiatric disorders. We searched to define the degree of volume discrepancy in advanced IPD patients and correlate the anatomical volumetric changes to motor symptoms and cognitive function. METHODS: We determined the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based volumetry of deep brain nuclei and brain structures of DBS-IPD group and matched controls. RESULTS: DBS-IPD group had significant deep nuclei atrophy and volume discrepancy, yet none had cognitive or psychobehavioural disturbances. Globus pallidus volume showed positive correlation to higher mental function. CONCLUSION: The morphometric changes and clinical severity discrepancy in IPD may imply a more complex degenerative mechanism involving multiple neural pathways. Such alteration could be early changes before clinical manifestation.