Purpose of Review

Locus coeruleus (LC) is the main noradrenergic nucleus of the brain, and its degeneration is considered to be key in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. In the last 15 years,MRI has been used to assess LC in vivo, both in healthy subjects and in patients suffering from neurological disorders. In this review, we summarize the main findings of LC-MRI studies, interpreting them in light of preclinical and histopathological data, and discussing its potential role as diagnostic and experimental tool.

Recent findings

LC-MRI findings were largely in agreement with neuropathological evidences; LC signal showed to be not significantly affected during normal aging and to correlate with cognitive performances. On the contrary, a marked reduction of LC signal was observed in patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders, with specific features.

Summary

LC-MRI is a promising tool, which may be used in the future to explore LC pathophysiology as well as an early biomarker for degenerative diseases.

中文翻译：

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蓝斑磁共振成像在神经系统疾病中的应用

 审查目的

蓝斑（LC）是大脑主要的去甲肾上腺素能核，其变性被认为是神经退行性疾病发病机制的关键。在过去 15 年中，MRI 已被用于评估健康受试者和患有神经系统疾病的患者体内的 LC。在这篇综述中，我们总结了 LC-MRI 研究的主要发现，根据临床前和组织病理学数据对其进行解释，并讨论其作为诊断和实验工具的潜在作用。

 最近的发现

LC-MRI 结果与神经病理学证据基本一致； LC 信号在正常衰老过程中并未受到显着影响，并且与认知表现相关。相反，在患有神经退行性疾病的患者中观察到 LC 信号显着减少，并具有特定特征。

 概括

LC-MRI 是一种很有前景的工具，未来可用于探索 LC 病理生理学以及退行性疾病的早期生物标志物。