Dopamine Transporter (DaT) Scan Utilization in a Movement Disorder Center.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Nuclear Medicine

Background:

• Dopamine transporter (DaT) scan aids in differentiating neurodegenerative from non-neurodegenerative parkinsonism and essential tremor (ET).
• DaT scan received US approval in 2011.
• Utilization patterns and impact on patient management were assessed at a movement disorders center.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the utilization patterns of DaT scans.
• To evaluate the influence of DaT scan results on patient management.
• To assess the diagnostic accuracy of DaT scans for various parkinsonian syndromes and tremors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients who underwent DaT scans.
• Collection of demographic data, medication use, and pre-scan diagnoses.
• Analysis of 175 DaT scans performed between June 2011 and October 2012.

Main Results:

• DaT scan utilization varied significantly (5-33 per 100 new patients).
• Scan results showed highest correlation with pre-scan diagnosis of essential tremor (ET) (79% normal).
• Abnormal scans led to medication changes in 96% of patients, while normal scans influenced medication in 76%.

Conclusions:

• DaT scan utilization varied among specialists.
• Scan results were most consistent for ET and least for psychogenic disorders.
• DaT scans significantly influenced medical treatment, particularly when abnormal.