Visualizing differences online: Radiological insights into control, prodromal, and Parkinson's brains using volumetry

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurological condition characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms attributed to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Non-motor symptoms have been identified to manifest prior to the onset of motor symptoms, emphasizing the need for more robust indicators for a definitive diagnosis. Our research aims to scrutinize volumetric alterations in the different brain regions among individuals in control, prodromal, and PD stages, seeking potential markers that could enhance diagnostic precision.In the initial findings of the investigation, 3 Tesla magnetic resonance images were analyzed. The cohort comprised 269 individuals diagnosed with neurological conditions, including 68 controls, 86 in the prodromal stage, and 115 with Parkinson's disease. Automated measurements were performed on these images using an online volumetric measurement tool. The collected data underwent rigorous statistical analysis to enable comparisons between the different diagnostic groups.In the study, significant differences were observed in various regions of the brain among the groups. Comparison and correlation tests were conducted based on the age and gender of the patients. According to our preliminary findings, statistically significant differences were identified in the insular cortices, cingulate, and parahippocampal gyri areas, as well as in the vermal lobules I-V of the cerebellum in the Parkinson's group compared to other groups.Parkinson's disease exerts substantial impacts on both motor and non-motor functions, encompassing cognitive and behavioral aspects. In the context of our study, noteworthy parameters associated with various stages of Parkinson's disease were particularly identified, with a significant emphasis on male individuals.