Positive FP-CIT SPECT (DaTSCAN) in Clinical Alzheimer's Disease - An Unexpected Finding?

Abstract

Clinically, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is by far the most common cause of dementia. Criteria for the diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are highly specific but not at all sensitive, which is reflected by the higher number of DLB cases detected histopathologically at autopsy. Imaging of dopamine transporter with FP-CIT SPECT is one possibility to increase sensitivity. Pathological confirmation was also included in the revised consensus criteria for the diagnosis of DLB. However, in the absence of parkinsonism, one of the core features, a clinical diagnosis of AD is more likely. The role of FP-CIT SPECT in DLB diagnosis remains to be clarified. Based on our 3 case reports and a review of the literature, the utility of this imaging method in the differential diagnosis of AD and DLB is highlighted.

• Authors: Verena Bittner, Gerhard Ullrich, Markus Thormann, Notger G Müller, Christin Friederichs, Holger Amthauer, Hans-Jochen Heinze, Daniel M Bittner
• Journal: Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders extra (Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra) Vol. 1 Issue 1 Pg. 283-91 (Jan 2011) ISSN: 1664-5464 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 22545039 (Publication Type: Journal Article)