Dopamine transporter scanning in the evaluation of patients with suspected Parkinsonism: a case-based user's guide. (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodriguez-Porcel, Federico; Jamali, Sheheryar; Duker, Andrew P.; Espay, Alberto J.
• Is Part Of: Expert review of neurotherapeutics. Volume 16:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: DaTscan -- drug-induced parkinsonism -- Parkinson disease -- parkinsonism -- SWEDD -- tremor; Neuropharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.7805
• DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2015.1120160
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7175

Abstract

Abstract : Given the wide range of manifestations of parkinsonism and its mimics, the diagnosis may remain elusive or be misattributed in some patients. Dopamine transporter (DAT) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) (DaTscan), an imaging technique that probes the integrity of the presynaptic nigrostriatal system, can be useful in the evaluation of clinically complex parkinsonian disorders in the appropriate context and when adequately interpreted. Pearls and pitfalls in the use of DaTscan for the differential diagnosis of parkinsonisms are reviewed using a case-based format. While the DaTscan is no replacement for a careful neurological examination in ascertaining the likelihood of Parkinson disease or other parkinsonisms in most clinical scenarios, it can be useful in the assessment of disorders where an abducting resting tremor, a prominent postural tremor, or incongruent features are not sufficiently clear on exam to distinguish neurodegenerative parkinsonism from dystonia, drug-induced parkinsonism and functional (psychogenic) parkinsonism, respectively.