Is the Subthalamic Nucleus Hypointense on T2-Weighted Images? A Correlation Study Using MR Imaging and Stereotactic Atlas Data

摘要

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although the subthalamic nucleus is the most frequently used target for surgical treatment of Parkinson’s disease, the criteria on which it can be identified on T2-weighted images have never been clearly defined. This study was conducted to characterize the precise anatomic distribution of T2-weighted hyposignal in the subthalamic region and to correlate this hyposignal with iron content in the subthalamic nucleus.