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Use of (/sup 99m/Tc)-HM-PAO in the diagnosis of primary degenerative dementia

Journal Article · · J. Cereb. Blood Flow Metab.; (United States)

The clinical value of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in the differential diagnosis of dementia due to cerebral atrophy was evaluated by comparing the pattern of distribution (/sup 99m/Tc)-HM-PAO in three dementing conditions. Imaging was carried out in 26 patients with suspected Alzheimer's disease, 14 with dementia of the frontal-lobe type, and 13 with progressive supranuclear palsy. Images were evaluated and reported without knowledge of clinical diagnosis with respect to regions of reduced uptake of tracer. Reduced uptake in the posterior cerebral hemispheres was characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, while selective anterior hemisphere abnormalities characterized both dementia of the frontal-lobe type and progressive supranuclear palsy. The latter conditions could be distinguished on the basis of the appearance of integrity of the rim of the frontal cortex. The technique has an important role in the differentiation of degenerative dementias.

Research Organization:
Manchester Royal Infirmary (England)
OSTI ID:
6786254
Journal Information:
J. Cereb. Blood Flow Metab.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Cereb. Blood Flow Metab.; (United States) Vol. 8:6; ISSN JCBMD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English