Evaluation of Dopaminergic Function in Frontotemporal Dementia Using ¹²³I-FP-CIT Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Abstract

Extrapyramidal symptoms are observed in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). ¹²³I-FP-CIT (DaT scan) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can detect loss of presynaptic dopamine transporters in the striatum. We aimed to evaluate the dopaminergic status of the striatum in patients with FTD using DaT scan. Seven patients (age range 65–76 years), who fulfilled the Neary criteria and in whom the diagnosis of FTD was confirmed by hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime SPECT, were included in the study. The severity of the extrapyramidal symptoms was evaluated by the motor part of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). SPECT using ¹²³I-FP-CIT was done. A (region – occipital)/occipital ratio was calculated for the striatum, putamen and caudate nucleus. The results were compared with those of the 7 age-matched normal controls. The uptake of the radiotracer in the right and left striatum was reduced to 62% (p = 0.000) and 68% (p = 0.000), respectively, compared to controls. The motor UPDRS score of the patients with FTD showed a negative correlation to the uptake of the radiotracer. The presynaptic dopamine transporter in FTD is impaired, related to the severity of the extrapyramidal symptoms. Since an effective treatment for FTD is still to be established, there is a need for evaluating the efficacy of dopaminergic drugs.

Dopamine transporter single photon emission computerized tomography in the diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies

“…In 7 FTD cases, abnormality of FP-CIT scans was found, but no comparison with DLB was made. 24 Other dementias that may be associated with abnormal dopamine transporter scans include corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Abnormality of FP-CIT SPECT was reported in 8 of 8 CBD cases, 25 but is not invariable [case 15 in our series; (Ref.…”

Dopamine transporter density of striatum showed to be increased in Schizophrenia first-episode drug-naïve patients

“…We found a statistically significant negative correlation between 123 I-FP-CIT binding ratios in right and left caudate nuclei (r= -0.838, r= -0.824) and right striatum (r= -0.847) with positive symptoms of PANSS in our patients with schizophrenia (Pearson correlation) to differentiate changes in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in patients with Parkinsonism and differentiate it from idiopathic tremor [7].…”

“…The images were reconstructed and evaluated visually. Then regions of interest (ROI) were selected based on Sedaghat et al [7]. The ratios of specific to nonspecific binding for the striatum, putamen and caudate nucleus were calculated using the formula (ROI counts-occipital counts)/occipital counts.…”

Overview of Dopamine Transporter Imaging in Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Other Dementias

“…Finally, while FTD patients often have normal 123 I FP-CIT SPECT, a reduced striatal uptake of 123 I FP-CIT, to a lesser degree than PD/DLB, has been reported and may explain the extrapyramidal features that occur in some cases [43].…”