DaT Scan (DaT scan or Dopamine Transporter Scan) commonly refers to a diagnostic method, based on SPECT imaging, to investigate if there is a loss of dopaminergic neurons in striatum. The term may also refer to a brand name of Ioflupane (123I) tracer used for the study. The scan principle is based on use of the radiopharmaceutical Ioflupane (123I) which binds to

dopamine transporter The dopamine transporter (DAT, also sodium-dependent dopamine transporter) is a membrane-spanning protein coded for in humans by the ''SLC6A3'' gene (also known as ''DAT1''), that pumps the neurotransmitter dopamine out of the synaptic cleft ba ...

s (DaT). The signal from them is then detected by the use of

single-photon emission computed tomography Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT, or less commonly, SPET) is a nuclear medicine tomography, tomographic imaging technique using gamma rays. It is very similar to conventional nuclear medicine planar imaging using a gamma camera ...

(SPECT) which uses special gamma-cameras to create a pictographic representation of the distribution of dopamine transporters in the brain. DaTSCAN is indicated in cases of tremor when its origin is uncertain. Although this method can distinguish

essential tremor Essential tremor (ET), also called benign tremor, familial tremor, and idiopathic tremor, is a medical condition characterized by involuntary rhythmic contractions and relaxations ( oscillations or twitching movements) of certain muscle groups i ...

from Parkinson's syndrome, it is unable to distinguish between

Parkinson's disease Parkinson's disease (PD), or simply Parkinson's, is a neurodegenerative disease primarily of the central nervous system, affecting both motor system, motor and non-motor systems. Symptoms typically develop gradually and non-motor issues become ...

Dementia with Lewy bodies Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a type of dementia characterized by changes in sleep, behavior change (individual), behavior, cognition, movement, and dysautonomia, regulation of automatic bodily functions. Unlike some other dementias, mem ...

Parkinson's disease dementia Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) is dementia that is associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Together with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), it is one of the Lewy body dementias characterized by abnormal deposits of Lewy bodies in the brain. ...

multiple system atrophy Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, slow movement, muscle rigidity, postural instability (collectively known as parkinsonism), autonomic dysfunction and ataxia. This is caused by progr ...

progressive supranuclear palsy Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disease involving the gradual deterioration and death of specific volumes of the brain, linked to 4-repeat tau pathology. The condition leads to symptoms including Balance di ...

. There is evidence that DaTSCAN is accurate in diagnosing early Parkinson's.Diagnostic accuracy of DaTSCAN in Parkinson’s and clinically uncertain parkinsonism
Kevin Galbraith, January 2016

Procedure

A patient takes two iodine tablets and waits for one hour. These pills are important because they prevent the accumulation of radioactive substances in the thyroid gland. After one hour, the patient gets an injection to the shoulder, which contains the radiopharmaceutical, and then waits for 4 hours. The concentration of the substance increases, and then it is scanned by a gamma-camera, which is located around the patient's head. The whole examination lasts about 30–45 minutes, and it is non-invasive. If a patient uses certain medications listed below, it is necessary to stop usage for a few days or weeks before the DaTSCAN, but only after a consultation with the patient's doctor. The examination takes just a few hours, so patients do not need to stay in a hospital overnight, but they have to drink much more than they are used to and go to the toilet more often. It is important for a fast elimination of the radioactive substances from the body.

Contraindications

* pregnancy * breast-feeding * severe renal or hepatic insufficiency * allergy to iodine substances * certain medications – stimulants or noradrenalin and some antidepressants

Differential Diagnosis

Essential tremor Essential tremor (ET), also called benign tremor, familial tremor, and idiopathic tremor, is a medical condition characterized by involuntary rhythmic contractions and relaxations ( oscillations or twitching movements) of certain muscle groups i ...

Lewy body disease Lewy body dementia (LBD) is an umbrella term for two similar and common subtypes of dementia: dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD). Both are characterized by changes in thinking, movement, behavior, and mood. The ...

References

External links

European Parkinson's Disease Association

DaTSCAN

Patient's view
{{Webarchive, url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014030321/http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/medicine/datscan-new-drug-help-with-early-diagnosis-of-parkinsons-disease/1184088 , date=2011-10-14 Neurology Neuroimaging Medical physics Dopamine reuptake inhibitors Parkinson's disease 3D nuclear medical imaging Radiobiology