DaTscan
Pronunciation: DAT-scan
A specialized nuclear medicine imaging study using dopamine transporter SPECT to evaluate the integrity of dopaminergic neurons.
Full Definition
DaTscan (dopamine transporter scan) is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that uses SPECT technology with the radiotracer ioflupane I-123 to visualize dopamine transporters in the brain. The scan primarily evaluates the integrity of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and their projections to the striatum. DaTscan is FDA-approved for distinguishing Parkinson's disease and other Lewy body disorders from essential tremor and other conditions that do not involve dopaminergic degeneration. The study shows characteristic patterns of reduced uptake in the putamen in Parkinson's disease, while essential tremor typically shows normal uptake. Results must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize as DaTscan; interpret results within clinical context.
In Context
- "DaTscan imaging revealed asymmetric reduced uptake in the left putamen, consistent with Parkinson's disease." — Nuclear medicine report
- "Normal DaTscan findings helped exclude Parkinson's disease in favor of essential tremor." — Movement disorder evaluation