Initial clinical experience with [123I]ioflupane scintigraphy in movement disorders

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Nuclear Medicine

Background:

• Movement disorders present diagnostic challenges, particularly in early or indeterminate stages.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and patient outcomes.

Observation:

• Dopamine transporter (DAT) scintigraphy using [(123)I]ioflupane was performed on 17 patients with suspected Parkinson's disease.
• Scintigraphy results influenced the diagnostic and management decisions for patients with clinically indeterminate movement disorders.

Findings:

• DAT scintigraphy correctly identified Parkinson's disease in some patients.
• It also distinguished between Parkinson's disease and other conditions like drug-induced parkinsonism, cerebrovascular disease, and early Alzheimer's.
• In one case, a patient with parkinsonian syndrome had a normal scan but a positive apomorphine test.

Implications:

• DAT scintigraphy is valuable in the initial diagnostic process for indeterminate movement disorders at a tertiary center.
• The study highlights the need for further research to clarify the precise role and resource implications of DAT scintigraphy.
• Integrating DAT scintigraphy can improve diagnostic accuracy and guide therapeutic strategies.