ECHOGENIC PATTERNS IN TRANSCRANIAL SONOGRAPHY

Abstract

This short review will summarize the major echogenic patterns in transcranial sonography (TCS) for the
diagnostic workup of Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is a primary neurodegenerative disorder caused by a loss
of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra (SN). In addition to the dopamine deficiency, changes in other
neurotransmitter systems are present, including alterations in the serotonergic system [1]. The definitive
cause of PD is unknown. The disease is characterized by a slowly progressive disease course with bradykinesia
as leading motor symptom, but also non-motor symptoms such as depression are common and can
precede motor manifestations. The TCS analysis of different brain regions has been proven helpful in the
diagnostic workup of PD, including differential diagnostic, non-motor diagnostic, and risk stratification of
the healthy elderly population.