Neuroimaging of the dopamine transporter in Parkinsons disease: first study using [ super(99m)Tc]-TRODAT-1 and SPECT in Brazil

BACKGROUND: Dopamine transporter (DAT) neuroimaging radiotracers were developed to estimate dopamine neuronal loss In vivo in Parkinsons disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate DAT density in vivo using [ super(99m)Tc]-TRODAT-1 and single photon computerized tomography (SPECT) in a population of Brazilian PD. METHOD: Fifteen PD patients and 15 matched healthy controls scanned with [ super(99m)Tc]-TRODAT-1 (INER-Taiwan) and SPECT. Estimates of striatum DAT density were calculated using binding potential (BP). Patients were assessed with PD scales. RESULTS: PD patients had significantly lower striatal DAT-BP (mean plus or minus SD) (0.38 plus or minus 0.12) compared to controls (BP=0.84 plus or minus 0.16; p