Combined Application of Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping and Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging Techniques to Investigate the Effect of Iron Deposition on Microstructural Changes in the Brain in Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Our study provides new evidence for brain iron content and microstructural alterations in patients with PD. Iron deposition may be a common mechanism for microstructural alterations in the substantia nigra and putamen of patients with PD. Tracking the dynamic changes in iron content and microstructure throughout the course of PD will help us to better understand the dynamics of iron metabolism and microstructural alterations in the pathogenesis of PD and to develop new approaches to monitor and treat PD.