Movement Disorder Imaging

Imaging of movement disorders, primarily with ¹²³I-FP-CIT (DaTSCAN^TM) SPECT is key research area within the department.

The noise handling effects of iterative reconstruction with resolution-modelling has been successfully used as a strategy to reduce scan duration in Bone and Myocardial Perfusion SPECT. Work is currently underway to assess different studies that can utilise these reconstruction techniques to reduce scan time. ¹²³I-FP-CIT (DaTScan) is a cocaine analogue that binds to dopamine transporters and reduced uptake in the putamen indicates early IPD (Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease).

Current scan times for this study are 45 minutes long, using the resolution-modelling reconstruction technique has the potential to reduce these scan times, improving image quality and patient experience. ¹²³I-FP-CIT (DaTSCAN) SPECT images were reconstructed with different reconstruction methods and reduced counts to assess how resolution-modelling affects the interpretation of the images.

We continue to work with Movement Disorder specialists within UCL supporting projects including the monitoring of possible disease modifying drugs for Parkinson's disease, and testing the efficacy of new techniques to identify people with a high risk for Parkinson's disease. Our collaborations with EARLs ENCDAT initiatives also continue, both in the support of research into factors that may affect ¹²³I-FP-CIT binding, and in the acquisition and reconstruction methodologies that can be used effectively with the normal healthy database that ENCDAT holds.