Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
Published on Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (https://www.j-alz.com)

Home > Transcranial Sonography in Neurodegenerative Diseases with Cognitive Decline.

TitleTranscranial Sonography in Neurodegenerative Diseases with Cognitive Decline.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsFavaretto, S, Walter, U, Baracchini, C, Cagnin, A
JournalJ Alzheimers Dis
Volume61
Issue1
Pagination29-40
Date Published2018
ISSN1875-8908
KeywordsCognition Disorders, Humans, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial
Abstract

Transcranial sonography (TCS) of the brain parenchyma detects alterations in the substantia nigra (SN), raphe nuclei and basal ganglia; this technique has been established as a tool for the early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and differential diagnosis from atypical parkinsonian syndromes. Here, we aimed to review the main applications of TCS in neurodegenerative diseases presenting with dementia syndrome, focusing on Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), frontotemporal lobar degeneration, idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, and atypical and secondary parkinsonisms. The finding of bilaterally marked hyperechogenicity of the SN appears as a characteristic feature of DLB, while it is found only in a minority of AD patients. SN hyperechogenicity is also detected in most patients with corticobasal degeneration and in about one third of patients with progressive supranuclear palsy, in which is constantly associated with hyperechogenic alterations of the basal ganglia. In conclusion, TCS is a valid supportive tool in the diagnostic workup of patients with dementia due to different neurodegenerative conditions. A promising new application is the differentiation of DLB from AD even at the early stages of these diseases.

DOI10.3233/JAD-170382
Alternate JournalJ. Alzheimers Dis.
PubMed ID29103031
E-mail Icon
Comment Icon
  • Comment
Bookmark Icon Bookmark Recommend Icon Recommend Follow Icon Follow
  • Comment
| Bookmark | Recommend | Follow

Source URL: https://www.j-alz.com/content/transcranial-sonography-neurodegenerative-diseases-cognitive-decline