Ultrasonography of the Vagus Nerve in Parkinson’s Disease: Links to Clinical Profile and Autonomic Dysfunction

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms, including autonomic dysfunction. Structural alterations in the vagus nerve (VN) may contribute to PD pathophysiology, though existing data remain inconsistent. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate morphological changes in the VN using high-resolution ultrasound (USVN) and to investigate associations with autonomic symptoms, heart rate variability (HRV), and clinical characteristics in PD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 60 PD patients and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. USVN was performed to assess VN cross-sectional area (CSA), echogenicity, and homogeneity bilaterally. Autonomic symptoms were measured using the Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale 31 (COMPASS-31). HRV parameters—SDNN, RMSSD, and pNN50—were obtained via 24 h Holter monitoring. Additional clinical data included Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores, transcranial sonography findings, and third ventricle width. Results: PD patients showed significantly reduced VN CSA compared to controls (right: 1.90 ± 0.19 mm2 vs. 2.07 ± 0.18 mm2; left: 1.74 ± 0.21 mm2 vs. 1.87 ± 0.22 mm2; p < 0.001 and p < 0.02). Altered echogenicity and decreased homogeneity were also observed. Right VN CSA correlated with body weight, third ventricle size, and COMPASS-31 scores. Left VN CSA was associated with body size parameters and negatively correlated with RMSSD (p = 0.025, r = −0.21), indicating reduced vagal tone. Conclusions: USVN detects structural VN changes in PD, correlating with autonomic dysfunction. These findings support its potential as a non-invasive biomarker for early autonomic involvement in PD.