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DaTscan (I-123 Ioflupane Brain SPECT)

NM+ ContrastNeuro
Indications
  • Differentiate Parkinsonian syndromes (PD, MSA, PSP) from essential tremor
  • Differentiate dementia with Lewy bodies from Alzheimer disease
  • Evaluation of nigrostriatal dopamine transporter integrity
Patient prep
  • Thyroid blockade: Lugol solution or potassium iodide (~100 mg iodide) at least 1 hour before injection
  • Review/hold drugs that bind dopamine transporter (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, some SSRIs/bupropion) per protocol
  • Verify pregnancy/breastfeeding status
Contrast
AgentI-123 ioflupane (DaTscan)
RouteIV over at least 20 seconds
Dose3-5 mCi (111-185 MBq)
TimingSPECT imaging 3-6 hours after injection
Technique
  • Brain SPECT, high-resolution (LEHR/fan-beam) collimator, photopeak 159 keV +/- 10%
  • Angular sampling >=120 views over 360 degrees
  • Head immobilization; reconstruct transaxial slices parallel to AC-PC line; assess striatal binding ratios
Series / Sequences
#Series / SequencePlaneNotes
1Brain SPECT (striatum)Transaxial/multiplanar3-6 h post-injection; evaluate caudate/putamen uptake
Key points
  • Normal: symmetric comma/crescent-shaped striatal uptake; abnormal (PD): reduced putaminal uptake, asymmetric, 'period/full-stop' appearance
  • Thyroid blocking mandatory (free I-123 iodide thyroid uptake)
  • Identify and hold interfering DAT-binding medications
  • Cannot distinguish PD from other degenerative parkinsonian syndromes (all show presynaptic deficit); distinguishes from essential tremor
References
• DaTscan (ioflupane I-123) package insert (GE Healthcare)
• SNMMI/EANM Practice Guideline for Dopamine Transporter Imaging with 123I-Ioflupane SPECT
• Radiopaedia: DaTscan link
Source: Researched — verify against your institution
‹ PreviousMyelogram (Lumbar)
Reference template — verify and adapt to your scanner, vendor and institution before clinical use. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.