J Korean Neurol Assoc.  1996 Mar;14(1):215-222.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Brain in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

• Seo DW
• La JH
• Lee KW
• Roh JK
• Lee SB
• Chang GH

Abstract

To visualize upper motor neuron(UMN) lesions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 14 patients with ALS. In all patients, ALS was confirmed on the basis of clinical, electrophysiologic, and pathologic findings. We reviewed T2 and proton-weighted axial images of the brain at six levels:corona radiata(CR), upper internal capsule(UIC), lower internal capsule(LIC), cerebral peduncle(CP), basis pontis(BP), and pyramid(PR) level. T2 and proton-weighted imaged at each level were analyzed by neuroradiologist and neurologist. We also compared clinical findings between hypersignal and no-signal groups in correlation with deep tendon reflexes and pathologic reflexes. T2-weighted images showed high signal intensities at more than two levels along the course of pyramidal tract from corona radiata through medulla in 7 patients. In 3 patients, proton weighted image revealed high signal intensities corresponding to abnormalities on T2-weighted image. These high signal intensities were observed at the level of LIC in 7 patients, at CP in 6, UIC in 5, BP in 3, PR in 2. There was no significant difference in pathologic reflexes although hypersignal group was more frequently involved than no-signal group (p>0.05). Regarding deep tendon reflexes, hypersignal group was significantly more hyperreflexic than no-signal group (p=0.005).

MeSH Terms

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis*
Brain*
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Protons
Pyramidal Tracts
Reflex
Reflex, Stretch
Protons