Structural MRI in Idiopathic Parkinson Disease and Parkinsonism

Abstract

Parkinsonian disorders are characterized by both motor and nonmotor symptoms with varying degrees of treatment response and disability. While current conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods are unable to confirm a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson disease, they may provide a means for identifying other atypical parkinsonian syndromes. This chapter will review the state of current structural MRI modalities, the structural imaging findings in various parkinsonian disorders and disease mimics, and the use of structural MRI as a biomarker of neurodegeneration. The discussion will also provide insights into the integration of high-field MRI and multimodal imaging to future clinical practice.