Altered Cerebral Perfusion & Functional Connectivity in a Response-Control Network in Parkinsons Disease Measured by ASL

Mara A. Fernndez-Seara¹, Marta Vidorreta¹, Maite Aznrez-Sanado¹, Francis Loayza¹, Federico Villagra¹, Maria Pastor¹

Using ASL perfusion MRI, we have detected perfusion and functional connectivity abnormalities in Parkinsons disease patients in their clinical ON state. Decreased perfusion has been observed in parietal, motor, premotor and supplementary motor areas. More interestingly, however, increased functional connectivity has been detected in a network involving pre-SMA, subthalamic nucleus, thalamus and the frontal cortex. These areas have been previously identified as key nodes in a functional-anatomical network critical for response suppression.