Scan duration for dopamine transporter neuroimaging with[¹²³I]FP-CIT and a high-sensitivity multiple-pinhole SPECT/CT

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiopharmacology
• Neurology

Background:

• Dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging with [¹²³I]FP-CIT (Ioflupane, DaTscan™) is crucial for diagnosing parkinsonism.
• Standard DAT imaging protocols typically require 40 minutes.
• Advanced SPECT/CT scanners with multi-pinhole (MPH) collimators offer superior performance and potential for reduced scan times.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the minimal scan duration for DAT SPECT/CT imaging that maintains diagnostic accuracy.
• To evaluate the impact of reduced scan times on image quality and specific binding ratio (SBR).

Main Methods:

• Fifty patients with suspected parkinsonism and 9 healthy controls underwent 40-minute [¹²³I]FP-CIT SPECT/CT scans.
• Images were reconstructed using acquisition lengths of 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes.
• Image analysis included quantification of SBR and visual assessment by experienced physicians.

Main Results:

• Acquisition times of 10 and 20 minutes yielded statistically comparable SBR values to 40-minute scans.
• 20-minute acquisitions demonstrated acceptable image quality in over 84% of cases.
• No significant difference in SBR was observed between 30- and 40-minute acquisitions.

Conclusions:

• DAT SPECT/CT scan duration can be safely reduced to 20 minutes with MPH collimators.
• Reduced scan times do not compromise image quality or diagnostic outcomes for parkinsonism.
• Shorter scan durations enhance patient comfort and optimize clinical workflow.