Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT in the differential diagnosis of the dementias with histopathologic confirmation

Clin Nucl Med. 2006 Jul;31(7):376-8. doi: 10.1097/01.rlu.0000222736.81365.63.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the value of Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT in the diagnosis of the dementias, with particular reference to Alzheimer disease.

Materials and methods: Tc-99m HMPAO was used with a 3-camera scanner to produce 5 sets of sectional images of the brain. Diagnosis was made by a physician blinded to the clinical diagnosis. Results in 49 subjects were ultimately compared with neuropathologic study of the brain at autopsy.

Results: Sensitivity = 86.7% (68.4-95.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI]), specificity = 89.5% (65.5-98.2% CI), positive predictive value = 92.9% (75.0-98.8% CI), negative predictive value = 81% (57.4-93.7% CI), accuracy = 87.8% (74.5-94.9% CI), likelihood ratio = 8.23% (7.09-9.57% CI).

Conclusions: Comparison is made with several other SPECT and PET series with histopathologic correlation. Brain blood flow SPECT is useful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the dementias.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation*
  • Dementia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Dementia / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • False Negative Reactions
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime*
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon* / instrumentation
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon* / methods

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime