Striatonigral degeneration: iron deposition in putamen correlates with the slit-like void signal of magnetic resonance imaging.

We report three patients with striatonigral degeneration highlighting the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the pathological changes. The "slit-like void signal" observed in the putamen is typical of striatonigral degeneration and can be used to assist diagnosis during life. Our histochemical studies support the concept that increased iron deposition in the putamen is responsible for this MRI picture.