Abstract #4152

Effects of Levodopa Therapy on Resting Brain Perfusion & Functional Connectivity in Parkinsons Disease Patients Measured by ASL Perfusion MRI

Marta Vidorreta¹, Elisa Mengual²,³, Gonzalo Arrondo¹, Mara a Pastor¹, Mara a Fernndez-Seara¹

¹Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Applied Medical Research (University of Navarra), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; ²Neuroanatomy of Basal Ganglia Laboratory, Center for Applied Medical Research (University of Navarra), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; ³Deparment of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain

The effects of levodopa therapy were assessed in a group of Parkinsons Disease patients using arterial spin labeling perfusion MRI during rest. Changes in perfusion between patients in their clinical on and off state were evaluated, finding a significant decrease in perfusion after medication intake in SMA and the posterior putamen contralateral to the affected body side, among other areas.These results suggest that levodopa relatively normalizes abnormally high perfusion levels typically observed in PD. A functional connectivity analysis with seed on the putamen showed how abnormal connectivity patterns related to the disease appear to be balanced by the medication.