Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of the Basal Ganglia in Idiopathic Focal Hand Dystonia

Abstract

Several findings point towards the lentiform nucleus as a possible lesion site in primary dystonia. Histological examinations, however, have shown inconsistent results. 1H-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) has proved helpful to assess neuronal degeneration in a variety of basal ganglia disorders. MRS data of dystonia patients, however, have not been reported so far. 1H-MRS centered on the lentiform nuclei was performed in 14 patients with primary focal hand dystonia and in 12 healthy controls. No statistically significant differences of metabolite ratios were found between patients and controls. Based on these data, primary focal dystonia does not seem to be associated with a conspicuous loss of lentiform nucleus neurons or a marked disturbance of the aerobic metabolism.

Keywords

dystonia proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy basal ganglia

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