Caudate nucleus hypointensity in the elderly is associated with markers of neurodegeneration on MRI

In this study we investigated patterns of hypointense basal ganglia on T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 413 non-demented elderly (range: 70–82 years, mean 77 years; male/female: 177/239). In addition, we assessed associations between these patterns and age-related changes in the brain. Three patterns were noted: hypointensity limited to the globus pallidus (group I; n = 30; 7%), hypointensity of both globus pallidus and putamen (group II; n = 272; 66%), and hypointensity of globus pallidus, putamen and caudate nucleus (group III; n = 111; 27%). Group III demonstrated a higher volume of white matter hyperintensities, more atrophy, decreased whole brain magnetization transfer ratios and increased T2-values compared to groups I and II. No differences were observed between groups I and II. From this study we conclude that hypointensity of the caudate nucleus is associated with a higher load of age-related cerebral changes. These data suggest that hypointensity of the caudate nucleus could be a new biomarker of age-related changes in the brain.