Alzheimer's Disease - FDG PET in Alzheimer’s Disease

Clinical History
A 64 year old male patient presented with subacute disorientation and problems with speech. There was no other relevant clinical history, family history, or prior conditions, except for obesity. The patient's current symptoms included neglect and disorientation. The patient was hospitalized after he ran away and was unable to find his way back home.

Indication for FDG PET:
A PET scan was ordered to investigate any additional underlying neurodegenerative patterns.

Imaging Findings

Fig. 1

FDG PET Findings*
The FDG PET scan revealed a clear bilateral reduction of glucose metabolism in the temporoparietal and frontal lobes. The subcortical structures, motor cortex, visual cortex and the cerebellum showed normal glucose uptake (Fig. 1).

Diagnosis
The findings of the PET scan were strongly suggestive of Alzheimer's disease. Due to the normal glucose metabolism of the subcortical structures, as well as the primary cortical areas such as motor cortex and visual cortex, Lewy body disease is rather unlikely (Fig 2).


Fig. 2

Data courtesy of Koen Van Laere, M.D., Ph.D., Dr. Sc., Leuven University Hospital, Belgium.

*Any of the protocols presented herein are for informational purposes and are not meant to substitute for any clinicians' judgment in how best to use any medical devices. It is the clinician that makes all diagnostic determinations based upon education, learning and experience.