Molecular Imaging of Parkinson’s Disease

ABSTRACT

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic debilitating disease of the central nervous system. Diagnosis by clinical examination alone is limited because there are other disease conditions such as essential tremors, multiple systemic atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy that may present with similar symptoms. The signs and symptoms in these patients are called parkinsonian syndrome, usually before a definitive diagnosis is made. Imaging has played an important role in early diagnosis and management of the disease. Molecular imaging, as discussed in this chapter, is essential for early detection and enabling clear distinction between other similar disease entities that may mimic Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, systemic manifestations of Parkinson’s disease can also be detected in some cases, as discussed in this chapter.