Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry of Neuropeptides in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: February 14, 2012
Huntington's Disease with Parkinson-Like Symptoms and Abnormal [ 123 I] Ioflupane SPECT-CT (DaTs): A Case Report and
Sarah Amro1,2, Chamani Punchihewa2, Edina Bravo3
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by an unstable expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats that lead to progressive degeneration of postsynaptic striatal medium-spiny GABAergic neurons. We report a case of abnormal [ 123 I] Ioflupane single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (DaTSCAN) and a subsequent genetic test confirming HD. A 68-year-old man presented with progressive memory difficulties, auditory hallucinations, nightmares, suicidal thoughts, low mood, and involuntary limb movements. DaTSCAN showed borderline reduced putaminal binding ratios bilaterally, more prominent on the left side, and a low putamen-to-caudate ratio suggesting degenerative parkinsonism. Genetic testing revealed one pathogenic expansion (40/17 CAG repeats), confirming HD. Postsynaptic dopaminergic involvement has previously been documented in postmortem studies. However, an emerging in vivo research also suggests presynaptic dopaminergic involvement. While genetic testing remains the gold standard for diagnosis of HD, DaTSCAN may play a role in assessing dopamine transporter activity and tracking the progression of neurodegeneration in HD.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Huntington Disease l: Introduction
Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll

