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Low brain iron content in idiopathic restless legs syndrome patients detected by phase imaging
Author(s) -
Rizzo Giovanni,
Manners David,
Testa Claudia,
To Caterina,
Vetrugno Roberto,
Marconi Sara,
Plazzi Giuseppe,
Pizza Fabio,
Provini Federica,
Malucelli Emil,
Gramegna Laura Ludovica,
Lodi Raffaele
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
movement disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.352
H-Index - 198
eISSN - 1531-8257
pISSN - 0885-3185
DOI - 10.1002/mds.25576
Subject(s) - putamen , restless legs syndrome , substantia nigra , thalamus , pathophysiology , magnetic resonance imaging , medicine , caudate nucleus , pathology , gastroenterology , cardiology , dopaminergic , neurology , radiology , psychiatry , dopamine
ABSTRACT Background The objective of this study was to use phase imaging to evaluate brain iron content in patients with idiopathic restless legs syndrome (RLS). Methods Fifteen RLS patients and 15 healthy controls were studied using gradient‐echo imaging. Phase analysis was performed on localized brain regions of interest selected on phase maps, sensitive to paramagnetic tissue. Differences between the 2 subject groups were evaluated using ANCOVA including age as a covariate. Results Significantly higher phase values were present in the RLS patients compared with healthy controls at the level of the substantia nigra, thalamus, putamen, and pallidum, indicating reduced iron content in several regions of the brain of the patients. Conclusions We have used MRI phase analysis to study brain iron content in idiopathic RLS in vivo for the first time. Our results support the hypothesis of reduced brain iron content in RLS patients, which may have an important role in the pathophysiology of the disorder. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society