What is DaTSCAN ?

DaTSCAN is an injection solution that contains Ioflupane (123I)as an active substance. It is used to investigate symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as impaired gait pattern, balance problems, tremor and poor coordination. This imaging method aims to evaluate the dopamine transporters that mediates dopamine reuptake which is critical for normal motor control.

Why is DaTSCAN Used?

DaTSCAN is used solely for diagnostic purposes. It is used to identify the loss of nerve cells that release dopamine - a chemical messenger in the striatum.

DaTSCAN is particularly recommended for the below specified patients;

• Patients with suspected Parkinson’s disease (or with ambiguous clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
• Patients diagnosed with complicated comorbidity that may mask Parkinson’s syndrome and its symptoms or make assessment difficult.
• Patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in dopamine blockers or with suspected drug-induced condition or suspected vascular parkinsonism.
• Patients for whom differential diagnosis of essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease cannot be made.
• Candidates for deep brain stimulation.
• Patients with suspected psychogenic Parkinsonism.
• Patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease who have no response to relevant treatments
• Patients who require differential diagnosis for dementia caused by Parkinson’s disease, dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
• Patients who can consent to treatment in the light of objective information, but continue to deny diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Early and accurate diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease offer significant benefits. DatSCAN not only ensures accurate diagnosis of patient’s condition, but it also helps starting the patient on treatment early.

Wo should perform DatSCAN?

DaTSCAN should be performed by nuclear medicine physicians.

How is DaTSCAN performed?

A radiaoactive agent, [Ioflupane (123I)], is instilled into a vein of arm for at least 15 to 20 seconds. Images are acquired three to six hours after injection. Medications that suppress thyroid gland are administered to prevent uptake of iodine contained in DatSCAN by thyroid gland.

Imaging takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. You need to move your head while images are acquired.

Necessary equipment should be available for risk of allergic reaction, before DatSCAN is infused.

How Does DaTSCAN Work?

The active substance in DaTSCAN, Ioflupane (123I), is a radiopharmaceutical agent. Ioflupane binds particularly to certain structures located on ends of nervous cells in striatum that is responsible for transportation of dopamine.

When DaTSCAN is infused, ioflupane (123I) distributes in blood circulation and accumulates in striatum, where it binds to dopamine transporters, and this accumulation is visualized with scintigraphic method using a special imaging technique, called SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography) by gamma camera.

Is DaTSCAN associated with specific risks?

No serious side effect is reported for DaTSCAN. Most common side effects of DaTSCAN (1:100 patients) are mild to moderate headache, nausea, dizziness and dry mouth. On the other hand, hypersensitivity reactions, such as rash and itching, disappear spontaneously or can be managed with administration of corticosteroid/antihistaminic agents.

What should be taken into account on imaging day?

Patients should hydrate well or consume plenty of fluid before procedure and for 2 days after procedure.

Patients should wear large and comfortable clothes.

Fasting is not required.

It may be necessary to stop certain medications before the test. Therefore, you should necessarily inform your doctor about all medications you take regularly.