The utility of PET imaging in the diagnosis and management of psychosis: a brief review

Abstract Purpose Advances in the pathophysiological characterization of psychosis has led to a newfound role biomarkers diagnostic and prognostic contexts. Further, advances accuracy sensitivity nuclear medicine imaging techniques, specifically positron emission tomography (PET), have improved ability diagnose manage individuals experiencing first-episode or those at greater risk for developing psychosis. Methods Literature searches were performed PubMed, Google Scholar, Web Science identify papers related use PET diagnosis management Search terms used included “positron tomography”, “PET imaging”, “psychosis”, “disorders psychosis”, “schizophrenia”, “biomarkers”, “diagnostic biomarkers”, “prognostic biomarker”, “monitoring “outcome “predictive biomarker.” Results Studies fell into three categories: examining microglia, studying dopamine synthesis capacity, acetylcholine receptor activity. Microglial been shown be ineffective all patients with psychosis, but some believe it shows promise subset although no defining characteristics said postulated. capacity suggest that presynaptic is reliably elevated levels active transporter are not. (PET) [18F]fluoro- l -dihydroxyphenylalanine ([ 18 F]FDOPA)-PET recently successfully as predictive biomarker dopaminergic treatment response, more work needed validate such findings. Finally, existing studies also documented lower binding α7 nicotinic cholinergic (α7-nAChR) via [ F]-ASEM however there dearth prospective, randomized evaluating efficacy monitoring any kind. Conclusion Molecular become useful tool Further must done improve comparative value different radiotracers.