Neuroimaging clinics of North America
-
Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2003
ReviewPositron emission tomography and single photon emission CT molecular imaging in schizophrenia.
We reviewed findings from PET and SPECT studies that have contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of schizophrenia. The most robust set of findings pertains to imaging of presynaptic dopaminergic function in the striatum. The results of these studies have been consistent in showing that schizophrenia, at least during episodes of illness exacerbation, is associated with increased activity of DA neurons; this increased presynaptic activity is associated with positive symptoms and good therapeutic response. ⋯ The results that have been produced by this field to date suggest that PET will significantly contribute to unraveling the biologic bases of psychiatric disorders and may contribute to their clinical management. Moreover, it is foreseeable that PET will become increasingly involved in the development of new psychiatric medications. Expanding the availability of PET and the current radiopharmaceutical portfolio will be critical for these predictions to become reality.
-
Extensive PET imaging research on AD has been conducted since PET scanners became available in the early 1980s. PET imaging using FDG, now commercially available, can detect early metabolic changes in AD and differential metabolic features of various dementing disorders. ⋯ Limited prospective studies demonstrated the effects of PET imaging in dementia management, which precludes the approval of FDG PET for more widespread, reimbursable use. Further evidence for the efficacy of PET imaging through well-organized clinical studies, as well as continuing efforts in technologic development and basic research to characterize functional alterations in dementing disorders in living patients, are equally important to achieve the goal of better dementia care.
-
Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2003
ReviewPositron emission tomography in central nervous system drug discovery and development.
Genetics, neuroscience, and imaging science have advanced greatly in the last few years. These advances can be brought together and applied in creative new ways to make available better drugs for treating neuropsychiatric disorders and for getting candidate drugs through the development process faster. One particular approach, built around [18F]fluordeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, is described.
-
This article described basic ideas and concepts that are related to the performance and analysis of dynamic tracer kinetic PET studies of brain. There are many aspects of these studies that require careful consideration, because there is always a compromise between accuracy and precision [101]. Important issues that were not discussed in this article include the appropriate use of anatomic information for the interpretation and analysis of the functional PET imaging data, ROI sampling, or parametric image generation; statistical analyses of ROI and parametric data; as well as steps involved in the evaluation of novel radiotracers and the identification of an analysis-of-choice or issues related to methodologic optimization. Fig. 5 is a summary diagram that links these ideas and provides a more complete picture of the multiple components that are involved in tracer kinetic PET imaging research.
-
Because the diagnosis of mandibular ORN can often essentially be based on clinical grounds, radiology is used for confirmation and evaluation of the extent of the bone involvement. The localization and extent of the bone destruction can be better evaluated with CT than with conventional occlusal or panoramic films. Nevertheless, plain films often provide sufficient information for patient management. Based on the clinical evaluation and plain imaging findings, a decision can be made to treat patients conservatively or surgically.