PET and SPECT Imaging in Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes

Abstract

Parkinson's disease and parkinsonian disorders can present with a variety of symptoms, and there is often a significant overlap between the different disorders. Diagnosis typically relies on clinical examination, especially at follow-up visits, which has limitations. Neuroimaging has played a major role in the elucidation of anatomical and functional abnormalities in different parkinsonian disorders. Various imaging techniques have been investigated for their potential to aid in diagnosis during routine clinical practice. In this chapter, we describe the use of functional imaging with PET and SPECT in the research of atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APS), including multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration. We focus on the utility of these imaging techniques to facilitate differential diagnosis and assess disease progression in patients with APS, especially in the early stages of disease.