The study of the basal nuclei contributes to the differential diagnosis between Parkinson's disease and other diseases with movement disorders. The study of the metabolism of the cerebral cortex makes it possible to identify, in patients with cognitive impairment, early pictures of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Neurological diagnostics
Nuclear Medicine quantitatively analyzes the metabolism of brain structures allowing early diagnosis of some neurodegenerative diseases.
Examinations and diagnosis
Cerebral receptor tomoscintigraphy (DATSCAN)
Principal indications
Differential diagnosis between Parkinson's disease and nondegenerative parkinsonisms.
Examination procedure.
Fasting not required. Discontinuation of any interfering medications as directed by the physician. Examination is performed 4 hours after intravenous injection of the radiopharmaceutical.
Examination duration.
Approximately 1 hour for image acquisition.
Brain PET/CT scan with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)
Principal indications.
Assessment of the metabolism of the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. Study and characterization of degenerative brain pathology (dementia pictures).
Examination procedure.
Measurement of blood glucose by finger needle-puncture. Intravenous administration of the radiopharmaceutical (18F FDG) after application of saline infusion to ensure sufficient hydration and rapid excretion of the tracer. After an interval of 60 minutes required for the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical, the patient will be asked to empty the bladder. Then the patient is placed on the equipment bed and brain images are acquired.
Duration of the examination
1:30 to 2 hours overall.
PET/CT brain scan with 18F-flutemetamol
Principal indications
Evaluation of patients with cognitive impairment and clinical suspicion of Alzheimer's disease (AD)
Examination procedure
Intravenous administration of the radiopharmaceutical (18F-flutemetamol) after application of saline infusion to ensure sufficient hydration and rapid excretion of the tracer. After a 90-minute interval necessary for the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical, the patient is placed on the equipment bed and brain images are acquired.
Duration of the examination
Approximately 2 hours.
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The original version is the page in Italian.
