Volume Measurement of the STN Using High-Spatial-Resolution QSM: A Diagnostic and Disease Monitoring Marker for PSP

Motivation: The subthalamic nucleus (STN) volumes have not been fully assessed in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Goal(s): Our goal was to explore diagnostic accuracy of STN volumes in PSP and PD. Approach: We measured the volumes of the STN, brainstem, and superior cerebellar peduncle in PSP and PD patients. Results: The STN volumes in patients with PSP were significantly reduced compared to those with PD patients. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between the STN volume and disease duration in PSP patients. Impact: The use of high-spatial-resolution QSM to measure the STN volume has potential as a diagnostic marker for PSP, as well as for monitoring the progression of the disease.