Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus: histological verification and 9.4-T MRI correlation.

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) using an MRI-guided and MRI-verified technique without microelectrode recording is an effective and safe surgical treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Objectives: To assess the anatomical accuracy of lead placement after MRI-guided, MRI-verified STN DBS using post-mortem histology and high-field MRI at 9.4 T. Methods: We conducted post-mortem analysis of a patient's brain who had had MRI-guided, MRI-verified STN DBS for PD, using 9.4-T MRI and histology. After death, the brain was retrieved and a block including the electrode tracks down to the mesencephalon was examined with high-field MRI at 9.4 T and histological analysis. Results: High-field MRI images and corresponding histological examination showed that each electrode track ended within the intended target area, and that DBS did not cause significant neuroparenchymal tissue damage. Conclusions: This study supports the anatomical accuracy of the MRI-guided and MRI-verified method of STN DBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]