Thiethylperazine-induced parkinsonism: in vivo demonstration of dopamine D2 receptors blockade

Eur J Neurol. 2004 Oct;11(10):709-10. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2004.00844.x.

Abstract

Thiethylperazine (Torecan) is a piperazine phenothiazine employed to relieve vertigo. Its use may be associated with extrapyramidal side effects (dystonia, akathisia, tardive dyskinesia) (Sulkava, 1984), but parkinsonism has rarely been described. We describe a woman who, 1 month after the onset of thiethylperazine treatment, developed parkinsonism that disappeared 2 months after withdrawal of the drug. However, cerebral single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with the dopamine (DA) D2 receptors ligand 123I-iodobenzamide (123I-IBZM) revealed a persistent reduced DA D2 receptors activity (by 45%) in the basal ganglia (BG), which may be clinically not effective.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Basal Ganglia / diagnostic imaging
  • Benzamides / pharmacology*
  • Brain Mapping
  • Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iodine Isotopes
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / chemically induced
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pyrrolidines / pharmacology*
  • Thiethylperazine
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / methods

Substances

  • Benzamides
  • Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists
  • Iodine Isotopes
  • Pyrrolidines
  • 3-iodo-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-N-((1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl)benzamide
  • Thiethylperazine