1. Neurodegeneration of the Substantia Nigra after Ipsilateral Infarct: MRI R2* Mapping and Relationship to Clinical Outcome
Substantia nigra R2* was higher at 1 year if ipsilateral striatum was infarcted than if not infarcted (P < .001).
R2* mapping may be added to the follow-up MRI after stroke to monitor neurodegeneration by assessing iron deposition in the substantia nigra.
R2* maps of the substantia nigra may indicate asymmetry of iron deposition, which in turn correlates with worse long-term motor function.
Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping confirmed that striatum, insula, internal capsule, and external capsule were associated with higher R2* at 1 year of follow up.
Linck PA et al.  Published Online: Mar 12, 2019