Cerebral blood flow changes in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). A study of 6 cases.

Background: The aim of this study was to show the application of cerebral blood flow SPECT (rCBF SPECT) study in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Material And Methods: (99m)Tc-ECD regional cerebral blood flow SPECT scanning was performed using a triple head, high resolution gamma camera on a group of six patients who ful- -filled criteria for clinical diagnosis of DLB. All patients were examined neurologically by a neurologist specialized in movement disorders. Detailed neuropsychological examination was performed on each patient with a psychological tests battery by an experienced neuropsychologist. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed utilizing an asymmetry index for unilateral perfusion deficits and a comparison to cerebellar perfusion to assess regional cerebral perfusion. A control group of 20 patients was studied to assess normal values, utilizing an asymmetry index for unilateral perfusion deficits, and a comparison to cerebellar perfusion was performed to assess regional cerebral perfusion.

Results: In four cases rCBF SPECT images showed patterns of bilateral hypoperfusion of the temporal, parietal and occipital lobes. In two other cases parietal deficits were observed.

Conclusions: Functional neuroimaging with the use of CBF SPECT may contribute to clinical diagnosis of DLB.