Contribution of the dopaminergic image in patients with parkinsonism. Perspective from the Neurology consultation

Abstract Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. The cause of PE remains unknown, but is attributed to complex genetic interactions and environmental factors. Early and accurate diagnosis in patients with parkinsonism is important since it affects the correct prognosis and treatment, improving the management of patients. Although different imaging techniques can be used from nuclear medicine, SPECT radiopharmaceuticals are used that bind to the active dopamine transporter protein associated with the striatal presynaptic membrane, which is involved in the reuptake of dopamine from synapses to neurons. Thus, dopaminergic imaging studies can help with the diagnosis of vascular parkinsonism as well as to differentiate early idiopathic PD from drug-induced parkinsonism. On the other hand, the images of the postsynaptic D2 receptor can also be used, being useful to differentiate PD from atypical parkinsonisms. Finally, the use of these imaging techniques of the dopamine transporter can help differentiate between presynaptic disorders due to dopamine deficiency, particularly PD, and conditions not associated with presynaptic dopamine loss, which include essential tremor, parkinsonism vascular and drug-induced parkinsonism.