Diagnostic accuracy of imaging brain vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) in clinically uncertain parkinsonian syndrome (CUPS): a 3-year follow-up study in community patients.

Objectives: To further validate the diagnostic utility of F-AV-133 vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with clinically uncertain parkinsonian syndromes (CUPS) by comparison to clinical diagnosis at 3 years follow-up.

Design, Setting And Participants: In a previous study, we reported that F-AV-133 PET in community patients with CUPS changed diagnosis and management and increased diagnostic confidence. The current diagnosis of this cohort was obtained from the patient and treating specialist and compared with the diagnosis suggested 3 years earlier by the F-AV-133 PET.

Management Impact of Imaging Brain Vesicular Monoamine Transporter Type 2 in Clinically Uncertain Parkinsonian Syndrome with F-AV133 and PET.

Idiopathic Parkinson disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder for which misdiagnosis occurs in up to 30% of patients after initial assessment and in 10%-15% even after long-term follow-up. Vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) imaging with PET allows assessment of the integrity of the presynaptic dopaminergic pathway. We investigated the management impact of VMAT2 imaging in patients with clinically uncertain Parkinsonian syndromes.