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Abstract #4523

Neuromelanin-Sensitive MRI as Biomarker of Phenoconversion from Pure Autonomic Failure to Central Synucleinopathies

Paula Trujillo1, Kaitlyn O’Rourke1, Olivia Roman1, Alexander Song1, Kilian Hett1, Bonnie Black1, Manus Donahue1, Cyndya Shibao1, Italo Biaggioni1, and Daniel Claassen1
1Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States

Synopsis

Keywords: Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Neuromelanin, synucleinopathies, Pure Autonomic Failure, phenoconversion

Motivation: Pure autonomic failure (PAF), a peripheral synucleinopathy, is associated with a high risk of progressing to central synucleinopathies, highlighting the need for early detection.

Goal(s): To assess neuromelanin-sensitive MRI contrast in the substantia nigra (SN) and locus coeruleus (LC) of PAF patients to identify early neurodegenerative changes.

Approach: PAF patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups, and we compared contrast ratios in the SN and LC among these groups and healthy controls.

Results: High-risk PAF patients exhibited significantly lower contrast ratios in the SN and LC compared to controls, indicating early neurodegenerative changes.

Impact: This study highlights the potential of neuromelanin-sensitive MRI as an early biomarker for neurodegenerative changes in high-risk PAF patients, aiding in the timely detection and intervention for central synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson disease.

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