Amyloid PET detects the deposition of brain Aβ earlier than CSF fluid biomarkers.

Introduction: Understanding the relationship between amyloid beta (Aβ) positron emission tomography (PET) and Aβ cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers will define their potential utility in Aβ treatment. Few population-based or neuropathologic comparisons have been reported.

Methods: Participants 50+ years with Aβ PET and Aβ CSF biomarkers (phosphorylated tau [p-tau]181/Aβ42, n = 505, and Aβ42/40, n = 54) were included from the Mayo Clinic Study on Aging. From these participants, an autopsy subgroup was identified (n = 47). The relationships of Aβ PET and Aβ CSF biomarkers were assessed cross-sectionally in all participants and longitudinally in autopsy data.

Results: Cross-sectionally, more participants were Aβ PET+ versus Aβ CSF- than Aβ PET- versus Aβ CSF+ with an incremental effect when using Aβ PET regions selected for early Aβ deposition. The sensitivity for the first detection of Thal phase ≥ 1 in longitudinal data was higher for Aβ PET (89%) than p-tau181/Aβ42 (64%).

Discussion: Aβ PET can detect earlier cortical Aβ deposition than Aβ CSF biomarkers. Aβ PET+ versus Aβ CSF- findings are several-fold greater using regional Aβ PET analyses and in peri-threshold-standardized uptake value ratio participants.

Highlights: Amyloid beta (Aβ) positron emission tomography (PET) has greater sensitivity for Aβ deposition than Aβ cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in early Aβ development. A population-based sample of participants (n = 505) with PET and CSF tests was used. Cortical regions showing early Aβ on Aβ PET were also used in these analyses. Neuropathology was used to validate detection of Aβ by Aβ PET and Aβ CSF biomarkers.