Neuroimaging advances in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

VernacularTitle:肌萎缩侧索硬化症患者神经影像学研究进展
Author: Qiuli ZHANG ¹ ; Ming ZHANG ¹
Author Information

1. Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); upper motor neuron deficit; cognitive impairment; behavior dysfunction; neuroimaging
From: Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2023;44(5):668-673
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multi-system neurodegenerative disease characterized with degeneration of both motor and non-motor areas. Complicated clinical manifestations and lack of objective biomarkers for upper motor neuron deficits challenged the early diagnosis of ALS. Meanwhile, heterogeneous non-motor symptoms and conflicted treatment effects exacerbated the management and therapy of the disease. The multiparametric functional MRI has the potential to address all the needs for diagnosis, management, and disease modified therapy in ALS. The present paper summarizes the research progress in both motor and non-motor impairment in ALS, as well as their potential value in visualizing disease stages and drug effect evaluation. Focusing on the heterogeneity of the disease and combining with brain and spinal cord imaging may provide direct evidence for disease diagnosis and treatment and be the priority in the future for ALS.