Molecular imaging (SPECT and PET) in the evaluation of patients with movement disorders

George P. Gerasimou et al.

Vol 9, No 2 (2006)

Review paper

Submitted: 2012-01-23

Published online: 2006-06-21

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Molecular imaging (SPECT and PET) in the evaluation of patients with movement disorders

George P. Gerasimou et al.

Nucl. Med. Rev 2006;9(2):147-153.

Vol 9, No 2 (2006)

Reviews

Submitted: 2012-01-23

Published online: 2006-06-21

Abstract

In this article the role of molecular imaging with SPECT and PET in patients with movement disorders is reviewed. It is mentioned that SPECT and PET imaging with cocaine analogues (¹²³I-b-CIT,¹²³I-FP-CIT, ¹⁸F-DOPA), radioligands labeling the presynaptic dopamine transporters, is of value for the differentiation of patients with PD or Parkinson-plus syndromes with individuals with essential tremor. In addition the clinical impact of this procedure, the role of molecular imaging in the preclinical diagnosis and in the follow-up of patients with PD, as well as, in the differential diagnosis between Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy-body dementia, is evaluated. Finally, the clinical impact of ¹²³I-IBZM-SPECT imaging, a radiopharmaceutical which labels the postsynaptic D₂ receptors and the discrimination between idiopathic PD and Parkinson-plus syndromes (multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal ganglia degeneration), is mentioned.