Unilateral Magnetic Resonance–Guided Focused Ultrasound Lesion of the Subthalamic Nucleus in Parkinson's Disease: A Prospective Study

Background Unilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) ablation using magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is being explored as a new treatment for asymmetric Parkinson's disease (PD). Objectives The aims were to study the efficacy and safety of this treatment in asymmetric PD patients and to characterize the lesions. Methods This prospective, single‐center, open‐label study evaluated asymmetric PD patients at 6 (n = 20) and 12 months (n = 12) after MRgFUS lesion of the STN. The primary outcome was the change in the Movement Disorders Society‐Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Part III (MDS‐UPDRS III), score in off medication on the treated side and the adverse events (AEs) at 6‐month follow‐up. We also evaluated cognitive–neuropsychological changes, self‐assessment of clinical improvement, and the correlation of the lesion volume with the motor outcomes. Results On the treated side, the MDS‐UPDRS III score (mean difference = 13.8) and the scores in rigidity, bradykinesia, and tremor improved (P