Scope of the problem
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using [123I]FP-CIT is a well-established diagnostic tool for in vivo evaluation of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in Parkinson’s disease (PD). SPECT images of patients suffering from PD show lower uptake in the striatum caused by the depletion of the dopamine transporter (DAT). Although diagnosis by experienced observers is mainly based on qualitative criteria, the quantification of striatal DAT binding is highly recommended to improve diagnostic accuracy. The European Association of Nuclear Medicine Neuroimaging Committee (ENC) provides guidelines for brain neurotransmission SPECT using 123I-labeled radiopharmaceuticals that include recommendations on reconstruction methods, filtering, applied data corrections and regions of interest (ROIs).
According to these guidelines, each center chooses its own image processing conditions. As a result, the quantitative values obtained from the [123I]FP-CIT SPECT images are dependent on the scanner, acquisition protocol, reconstruction parameters and ROIs. Thus, quantitative results need to be standardized before comparison with a database of normal control scans or in the case of multicenter clinical trials.<br>
Our innovation:
tQUDOSY is a set of routines necessary to implement an application that allows the quantification of SPECT studies of the dopaminergic system with the purpose of helping in its visual evaluation.
Facilitates the differential diagnosis of movement disorders (Parkinson’s disease versus other entities)and cognitive impairments (Alzheimer’s disease versus Lewy body disease)
It can also be used in the early detection of Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body disease
It could also be applied in the quantification of studies with other tracers of the nigrostriatal system (IBZM, β-CIT) or with PET studies (Positron Emission Tomography) with FDOPA
The programming language used for the development of the application is C ++
Currently the routines are available to be compiled in Windows and Linux environment
Competitive advantages:
The applications generated with the tQUDOSY routines do not require specialized technical personnel to be used. It can be compiled in any operating environment. It allows to obtain comparable standardized values between different centers and teams that use the same software, previously validated in a clinical environment.
To be determined during further development
Patient need addressed: Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body disease
Aida Castellanos Paez
