Cerebral blood flow changes in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). A study of 6 cases.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to show the application of cerebral blood flow SPECT (rCBF SPECT) study in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). MATERIAL AND METHODS (99m)Tc-ECD regional cerebral blood flow SPECT scanning was performed using a triple head, high resolution gamma camera on a group of six patients who ful- -filled criteria for clinical diagnosis of DLB. All patients were examined neurologically by a neurologist specialized in movement disorders. Detailed neuropsychological examination was performed on each patient with a psychological tests battery by an experienced neuropsychologist. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed utilizing an asymmetry index for unilateral perfusion deficits and a comparison to cerebellar perfusion to assess regional cerebral perfusion. A control group of 20 patients was studied to assess normal values, utilizing an asymmetry index for unilateral perfusion deficits, and a comparison to cerebellar perfusion was performed to assess regional cerebral perfusion. RESULTS In four cases rCBF SPECT images showed patterns of bilateral hypoperfusion of the temporal, parietal and occipital lobes. In two other cases parietal deficits were observed. CONCLUSIONS Functional neuroimaging with the use of CBF SPECT may contribute to clinical diagnosis of DLB.