Comparison of Transcranial Sonography and [¹⁸F]‐Fluorodopa PET Imaging in GBA1 Mutation Carriers

Abstract

Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-based Parkinson's disease-related pattern expression in 20 patients with isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder shows prodromal progression.

Free‐Water Imaging of the Substantia Nigra in GBA Pathogenic Variant Carriers

“…Another possible reason for the increased DAT binding is that dopaminergic neurons are dysfunctional and release subnormal levels of dopamine into the synapse, which might reduce the occupancy of the DAT. In addition, a recent TCS study did not find increased nigral echogenicity in GBA‐NMC 17 . Thus, free‐water imaging may be more sensitive than TCS to detect nigral impairment in GBA‐NMC, and a combination of free‐water and DAT imaging should more accurately reveal the degree of damage of the nigrostriatal system.…”

“…In addition, a recent TCS study did not find increased nigral echogenicity in GBA-NMC. 17 Thus, free-water imaging may be more sensitive than TCS to detect nigral impairment in GBA-NMC, and a combination of free-water and DAT imaging should more accurately reveal the degree of damage of the nigrostriatal system.…”

“…Dopamine transporter (DAT) studies found no change, 13‐15 or elevated striatal binding ratio (SBR) (only 3% of GBA‐NMC had DAT SBR deficit), 16 compared to non‐manifesting non‐carriers (NMNC). A recent transcranial sonography (TCS) study did not find increased nigral echogenicity, 17 and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies found no difference in grey matter volume between GBA‐NMC and NMNC 18,19 . Imaging studies in GBA‐PD also reported inconsistent findings, while some studies detected more decreased striatal DAT SBR values in GBA‐PD than idiopathic PD (iPD), 20‐22 others found no difference, 23,24 or even increased striatal DAT SBR values 22 .…”