Predicting Parkinson’s Disease subtypes using neuroimaging

Abstract

Introduction Parkinson’s disease (PD) is highly heterogeneous and different subtypes can be discriminated. The objective of this study was to predict PD subtype by dopamine availability and grey matter (GM) volumes and to relate pathology to PD symptoms. Methods A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was conducted with neuroimaging predictors of 66 PD patients screened at the VU University medical center, divided into three symptom-based subtypes. Correlations were conducted between neuroimaging measures and symptoms. Post hoc, a LDA was conducted with right hemisphere neuroimaging predictors only. Results Volumes of the bilateral hippocampus, dlPFC, IFG and insula and dopamine in the putamen were unable to predict PD subtype, but right insular volume had discriminative value. Lower hippocampal volume related to lower verbal memory performance. Discussion The discriminative value of right insular volume might be due to its directive role in cognition. Future research should continue to explore pathology heterogeneity in PD within larger patient groups, with special attention to insular involvement and by use of network imaging.