Advanced imaging methods and their implications for diagnosing neurodegenerative disorders: A comprehensive review
Keywords:
MRI, high-field MRI, cerebellum, neurodegenerative diseases, posterior craniofossaAbstract
This review analyzes the use of advanced imaging techniques, specifically high- and ultra-high field MRI, in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders impacting the cerebellum. The intricate anatomy of the cerebellum and its positioning in the posterior cranial fossa pose notable challenges for imaging, particularly due to susceptibility artifacts arising from bone and blood flow. Advancements in MRI techniques, such as fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), address these challenges, facilitating enhanced resolution visualization of cerebellar structures. The review outlines the functional domains of the cerebellum—vestibulocerebellum, spinocerebellum, and cerebrocerebellum—and examines their contributions to motor control and cognitive functions. This paper discusses the clinical implications of cerebellar involvement in neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, hereditary ataxias, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. High-field MRI (3T) and ultra-high-field MRI (≥7T) provide enhanced signal-to-noise ratios and spatial resolution, facilitating a comprehensive evaluation of cerebellar atrophy and structural alterations linked to these disorders. The review indicates that advanced MRI techniques are essential for elucidating the cerebellum's involvement in neurodegenerative processes and for formulating targeted therapies.
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