Small and Large Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Visible Perivascular Spaces in the Basal Ganglia of Parkinson's Disease Patients

Mov Disord. 2022 Jun;37(6):1304-1309. doi: 10.1002/mds.29010. Epub 2022 Apr 11.

Abstract

Background: Although previously thought to be asymptomatic, recent studies have suggested that magnetic resonance imaging-visible perivascular spaces (PVS) in the basal ganglia (BG-PVS) of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) may be markers of motor disability and cognitive decline. In addition, a pathogenic and risk profile difference between small (≤3-mm diameter) and large (>3-mm diameter) PVS has been suggested.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine associations between quantitative measures of large and small BG-PVS, global cognition, and motor/nonmotor features in a multicenter cohort of patients with PD.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study examining the association between large and small BG-PVS with Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Parts I-IV and cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) in 133 patients with PD enrolled in the Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative study.

Results: Patients with PD with small BG-PVS demonstrated an association with MDS-UPDRS Parts I (P = 0.008) and II (both P = 0.02), whereas patients with large BG-PVS demonstrated an association with MDS-UPDRS Parts III (P < 0.0001) and IV (P < 0.001). BG-PVS were not correlated with cognition.

Conclusions: Small BG-PVS are associated with motor and nonmotor aspects of experiences in daily living, while large BG-PVS are associated with the motor symptoms and motor complications. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Keywords: ONDRI; Parkinson's disease; basal ganglia; perivascular Virchow-Robin spaces; white matter hyperintensities.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Basal Ganglia / diagnostic imaging
  • Basal Ganglia / pathology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Disabled Persons*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Motor Disorders*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / pathology
  • Parkinson Disease* / complications