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Am J Translational Res 2011;3(4):323-341
Review Article
Positron Emission Tomography neuroimaging in Parkinson’s disease
Clare Loane, Marios Politis
Centre for Neuroscience, Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine. Hammersmith Hospital,
Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.
Received May 17, 2011; Accepted June 30, 2011; Epub July 10, 2011; Published August 15, 2011
Abstract: Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear imaging technique, which allows in vivo estimations
of important physiological parameters such as, glucose metabolism and neuroreceptor binding enabling greater
understanding of the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The review will evaluate the role of PET in
assessing both the dopaminergic (DA) and non-DA systems in relation to the pathophysiology of PD, differential
diagnosis, progression of disease and pre-clinical disease. Medication side effects, genetic forms of PD, the non-
motor symptoms of PD and alternative restorative approaches will also be discussed in relation to how PET
imaging can enhance our understanding of these aspects of the disease. PET neuroimaging has to date,
provided an excellent tool to assess the underlying mechanisms of the disease as well as evaluating the
complications and management of PD and has the potential to be of great clinical value if the current limitations
of costing and availability are resolved. (AJTR1105001).
Keywords: Positron Emission Tomography, PET, Parkinson’s disease (PD), neuroimaging
Full Text PDF
Address all correspondence to:
Marios Politis, PhD
Hammersmith Hospital
DuCane Road, London W12 0NN
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-020-8383-3751; Fax: +44-020-8383-1783
E-mail: marios.politis@imperial.ac.uk
Review Article
Positron Emission Tomography neuroimaging in Parkinson’s disease
Clare Loane, Marios Politis
Centre for Neuroscience, Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine. Hammersmith Hospital,
Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.
Received May 17, 2011; Accepted June 30, 2011; Epub July 10, 2011; Published August 15, 2011
Abstract: Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear imaging technique, which allows in vivo estimations
of important physiological parameters such as, glucose metabolism and neuroreceptor binding enabling greater
understanding of the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The review will evaluate the role of PET in
assessing both the dopaminergic (DA) and non-DA systems in relation to the pathophysiology of PD, differential
diagnosis, progression of disease and pre-clinical disease. Medication side effects, genetic forms of PD, the non-
motor symptoms of PD and alternative restorative approaches will also be discussed in relation to how PET
imaging can enhance our understanding of these aspects of the disease. PET neuroimaging has to date,
provided an excellent tool to assess the underlying mechanisms of the disease as well as evaluating the
complications and management of PD and has the potential to be of great clinical value if the current limitations
of costing and availability are resolved. (AJTR1105001).
Keywords: Positron Emission Tomography, PET, Parkinson’s disease (PD), neuroimaging
Full Text PDF
Address all correspondence to:
Marios Politis, PhD
Hammersmith Hospital
DuCane Road, London W12 0NN
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-020-8383-3751; Fax: +44-020-8383-1783
E-mail: marios.politis@imperial.ac.uk
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