Incremental value of amyloid PET in a tertiary memory clinic setting in China

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThe objective of this study is to investigate the incremental value of amyloid positron emission tomography (Aβ‐PET) in a tertiary memory clinic setting in China.METHODSA total of 1073 patients were offered Aβ‐PET using 18F‐florbetapir. The neurologists determined a suspected etiology (Alzheimer's disease [AD] or non‐AD) with a percentage estimate of their confidence and medication prescription both before and after receiving the Aβ‐PET results.RESULTSAfter disclosure of the Aβ‐PET results, etiological diagnoses changed in 19.3% of patients, and diagnostic confidence increased from 69.3% to 85.6%. Amyloid PET results led to a change of treatment plan in 36.5% of patients. Compared to the late‐onset group, the early‐onset group had a more frequent change in diagnoses and a higher increase in diagnostic confidence.DISCUSSIONAβ‐PET has significant impacts on the changes of diagnoses and management in Chinese population. Early‐onset cases are more likely to benefit from Aβ‐PET than late‐onset cases.Highlights Amyloid PET contributes to diagnostic changes and its confidence in Chinese patients. Amyloid PET leads to a change of treatment plans in Chinese patients. Early‐onset cases are more likely to benefit from amyloid PET than late‐onset cases.