Adults with a history of illicit amphetamine use exhibit abnormal substantia nigra morphology and parkinsonism

Abstract Introduction The sonographic appearance of the substantia nigra is abnormally bright and enlarged (hyperechogenic) in young adults with a history of illicit stimulant use. The abnormality is a risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. The aim of the current study was to identify the type of illi...

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Published in:Parkinsonism & related disorders 2016-04, Vol.25, p.27-32
Main Authors: Todd, Gabrielle, Pearson-Dennett, Verity, Wilcox, Robert A, Chau, Minh T, Thoirs, Kerry, Thewlis, Dominic, Vogel, Adam P, White, Jason M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Amphetamine
Amphetamines - adverse effects
Central Nervous System Stimulants - adverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Methamphetamine
Middle Aged
Neurology
Parkinsonian Disorders - epidemiology
Parkinsonian Disorders - etiology
Parkinsonian Disorders - pathology
Parkinsonism
Risk Factors
Substantia nigra
Substantia Nigra - pathology
Transcranial ultrasound
Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Introduction The sonographic appearance of the substantia nigra is abnormally bright and enlarged (hyperechogenic) in young adults with a history of illicit stimulant use. The abnormality is a risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. The aim of the current study was to identify the type of illicit stimulant drug associated with substantia nigra hyperechogenicity and to determine if individuals with a history of illicit stimulant use exhibit clinical signs of parkinsonism. We hypothesised that use of amphetamines (primarily methamphetamine) is associated with substantia nigra hyperechogenicity and clinical signs of parkinsonism. Methods: The area of echogenic signal in the substantia nigra was measured in abstinent human amphetamine users (n=27; 33±8 yrs) and in three control groups comprising a) ‘ecstasy’ users (n=19; 23±3 years), b) cannabis users (n=30; 26±8 years), and c) non-drug users (n=37; 25±7 years). A subset of subjects (n=55) also underwent a neurological examination comprising the third and fifth part of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale. Results: Area of substantia nigra echogenicity was significantly larger in the amphetamine group (0.276±0.080 cm2 ) than in the control groups (0.200±0.075, 0.190±0.049, 0.191±0.055 cm2 , respectively; P
ISSN:1353-8020
1873-5126
DOI:10.1016/j.parkreldis.2016.02.019