Efficacy and safety of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound for Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: Magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a novel noninvasive treatment for drug-resistant Parkinson’s disease (PD) related tremor. This study aims to evaluate MRgFUS’s efficacy and safety in PD through a systematic review and meta-analysis, examining pre-and post-treatment MDS-UPDRSIII and/or CRST scores and associated adverse events. Materials and methods: We conducted an extensive literature search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases, screening studies based on set criteria and analyzing MDS-UPDRSIII, CRST, and adverse events pre- and post-MRgFUS treatment. Results: Out of 468 retrieved articles, 20 studies involving 258 patients, spanning 2014–2023, were included.17 studies indicated significant MDS-UPDRSIII score reductions post-MRgFUS treatment, while 3 showed significant CRST score declines. In the “on” medication state, pooled MDS-UPDRSIII scores at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 12.18 (95% CI: 5.83–18.52), 12.10 (95% CI: 8.22–15.97), 14.85 (95% CI: 9.28–20.41), and 20.65 (95% CI: 12.15–29.14) respectively. In the “off” state, scores were 11.45 (95% CI: −3.50-26.40), 14.71 (95% CI: 4.95–24.46), 21.52 (95% CI: 19.28–23.75), and 22.28 (95% CI: 15.26–29.30). Adverse events were typically mild and transient, with speech disturbances, ataxia, and sensory abnormalities being common post-operative neurological complications. Conclusion: MRgFUS offers an effective and relatively safe treatment option for patients with drug-resistant PD-related tremor. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, No. CRD42023428332.