Pallidal lesions. Structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE

To study noninvasively the functional anatomy and pathophysiologic characteristics of the globus pallidus external (GPe) and internal (GPi) divisions.

DESIGN

Structural and functional neuroimaging using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging.

SETTING

University medical center research facility. SUBJECTS. Seven patients with pallidal lesions, 4 with an akinetic-rigid syndrome and 3 with a dystonic syndrome, and 15 age-matched volunteers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

T2-weighted anatomical magnetic resonance imaging and number of activated voxels in the GP during rapid supination and pronation of the hand.

RESULTS

T2-weighted images showed hyperintense bilateral lesions in the GP of all patients. Patients with dystonic syndromes had isolated lesions in the GPi. Patients with signs of akinetic-rigid syndromes showed abnormalities in the GPe or in central portions of the GP (GPc). Patients with lesions in both parts of the GP had akinetic-rigid or dystonic syndromes. All patients showed activation in the areas of the lesions. The number of activated voxels in the GP was significantly smaller (P < .005, Wilcoxon signed rank test) in patients than in control subjects. Activation of the GP was predominantly contralateral to the moving hand.

CONCLUSIONS

Lesions in the GPi result in a loss of inhibitory pallidal projections to the thalamus, which may explain the hyperkinetic signs. Lesions in the GPe lead to an increased inhibition of the thalamus, which may explain the hypokinetic signs. Neuronal activation in lesion sites suggests the presence of remaining functionally vital tissue.