Cognitive impairments associated with morphological changes in cortical and subcortical structures in multiple system atrophy of the cerebellar type

• Published in: European journal of neurology Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 92 - 100
• Main Authors: Lee, M. J., Shin, J.-H., Seoung, J.-K., Lee, J.-H., Yoon, U., Oh, J.-H., Jung, D. S., Kim, E.-J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2016
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atrophy - pathology; Cerebellar Cortex - pathology; Cerebellum - pathology; Cognition Disorders - etiology; Cognition Disorders - pathology; Cognition Disorders - physiopathology; cognitive impairment; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; MRI; multiple system atrophy; Multiple System Atrophy - complications; Multiple System Atrophy - pathology; Multiple System Atrophy - physiopathology; surface based morphometry; Thalamus - pathology; surface based morphometry; cognitive impairment; multiple system atrophy; MRI
• ISSN: 1351-5101; 1468-1331
• DOI: 10.1111/ene.12796

Background and purpose Patients with the cerebellar variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA‐C) often show cognitive deficits in various cognitive domains. The association between morphometric changes in cortical and subcortical structures and cognitive impairments in MSA‐C were investigated to explore the neural correlates responsible for cognitive deficits in MSA‐C patients. Methods Using surface‐based morphometry, region‐of‐interest cortical thickness and the volumes and shapes of subcortical structures were examined in 18 patients who fulfilled the criteria of probable MSA‐C and were compared to 50 healthy controls. The association between regional changes and cognitive functions in MSA‐C were investigated by applying linear regression analyses after controlling for confounding factors. Results Compared with controls, the patients with MSA‐C showed significant cortical thinning in the fronto‐temporo‐parietal regions and volume reduction in subcortical structures with shape changes. Cerebellar volume had no significant effect on cortical and subcortical volumes. The severity of atrophic changes in the bilateral thalamus, the left cerebellum and the left pericalcarine gyrus were significantly correlated with attentional, executive and visuospatial dysfunctions. Conclusion Cognitive impairment in MSA‐C might result from functional disruption of the corticostriatal and pontocerebellar circuit mediated by primary cortical, cerebellar or thalamic pathology.