iRBD is a prodromal stage of α-synucleinopathies, like PD. Iron deposition is increased in the substantia nigra of PD patients, mainly in Nigrosome-1 (N1). Here, we estimated N1 iron content in PD, iRBD patients and healthy controls using QSM at 7T to investigate group differences and correlation with disease duration. PD patients showed increased N1 susceptibility compared to controls and iRBD patients but no correlation with disease duration. N1 susceptibility in iRBD patients was not different from controls but correlated with disease duration. Hence, in prodromal stages of α-synucleinopathies, QSM can reveal progressive N1 iron accumulation as the disease evolves.
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