Radiomics score derived from T1-w/T2-w ratio image can predict motor symptom progression in Parkinson’s disease

Objectives

To clarify the association between a radiomics score (Rad-score) derived from T1-weighted signal intensity to T2-weighted signal intensity (T1-w/T2-w) ratio images and the progression of motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included patients with PD enrolled in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative. The Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III score ≥ 33 and/or Hoehn and Yahr stage ≥ 3 indicated motor function decline. The Rad-score was constructed using radiomics features extracted from T1-w/T2-w ratio images. The Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analyses were used to assess the time differences in motor function decline between the high and low Rad-score groups.

Results

A total of 171 patients with PD were divided into training (n = 101, mean age at baseline, 61.6 ± 9.3 years) and testing (n = 70, mean age at baseline, 61.6 ± 10 years). The patients in the high Rad-score group had a shorter time to motor function decline than those in the low Rad-score group in the training dataset (log-rank test, p < 0.001) and testing dataset (log-rank test, p < 0.001). The multivariate Cox regression using the Rad-score and clinical factors revealed a significant association between the Rad-score and motor function decline in the training dataset (HR = 2.368, 95%CI:1.423–3.943, p < 0.001) and testing dataset (HR = 2.931, 95%CI:1.472–5.837, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Rad-scores based on radiomics features derived from T1-w/T2-w ratio images were associated with the progression of motor symptoms in PD.

Clinical relevance statement

The radiomics score derived from the T1-weighted/T2-weighted ratio images offers a predictive tool for assessing the progression of motor symptom in patients with PD.

Key Points

Radiomics score derived from T1-weighted/T2-weighted ratio images is correlated with the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

A high radiomics score correlated with faster motor function decline in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

The proposed radiomics score offers predictive insight into the progression of motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.