F-Dopa PET scan also known as 18F- dihydroxyphenylalanine PET scan/test is a diagnostic imaging modality for identification and evaluation of many pathological conditions of brain especially neurodegenerative disorders of brain.
What is F-Dopa Brain PET scan?
F-Dopa PET scan also known as 18F- dihydroxyphenylalanine PET scan/test is a diagnostic imaging modality for identification and evaluation of many pathological conditions of brain especially neurodegenerative disorders of brain.
Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in CNS (central nervous system) and also acts as hormone. The immediate precursor of dopamine is L-Dopa.
Dopamine is mainly concentrated in nigrostriatal region of brain and any pathological condition affecting this region or any imbalance in dopamine level results in mostly neurodegenerative and movement disorders.
18F-Dopa (an analog of L-Dopa) is used as a radiopharmaceutical agent in conjugation with PET/CT scanner to analyze the functional, biochemical and metabolic activity of brain tissues along with anatomical details. A three-dimensional image is obtained using this technique for better assessment of diseases/disorders of brain.
Why do I need an F-Dopa Brain PET scan?
F-Dopa PET scan is usually indicated for the identification, diagnosis, management, and prognosis and monitoring of patients in the following conditions:
1) Parkinson’s disease
2) Alzheimer’s disease
3) Dementia
4) Movement disorders
5) To analyze striatal dopaminergic function
6) To evaluate Dopaminergic pathways
7) Schizophrenia
8) Brain tumours such as:
*Primary glioma
*Recurrent glioma etc.
9) Secondary metastases to Brain
10) Neuroendocrine tumours such as
* Pheochromocytoma
* Paraganglioma.
11) To monitor treatment efficacy and evaluate prognosis.
How do I prepare for F-Dopa PET scan?
Follow these steps before going for F-Dopa Brain PET test:
1) Get an appointment - Schedule your appointment in a Diagnostic center having the facility of F-Dopa Brain PET test because it is available in limited centers.
2) Fasting - 4-6 hours fasting is required before Dopa Brain PET test.
3) Clothing - Dress yourself in clothes as comfortable as possible and that are easy to put on and off.
4) Caffeine - For 24-hours before the scan, avoid caffeinated products such as tea, coffee, chocolates etc. It may alter test results.
5)Medications - Inform your Clinician about all drugs and supplements that you are currently taking for any disease. He may do certain modifications.
6) Pregnancy and breastfeeding - Tell your Doctor about pregnancy if you are pregnant or if you breastfed your baby so that your Doctor can evaluate the risk vs benefit ratio.
7) Smoking and tobacco - On the day of your scan, don’t smoke or chew tobacco products as nicotine present in these substances alter the test results.
8) Allergy- Inform your Clinician about prior history of allergy to any drug or medications.
9) Exercise- Don’t perform any strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to your test.
10) Medical reports - Don’t forget to carry all relevant medical and lab reports along with you while going for Brain PET test. These reports may aid in better evaluation of your condition.
11) Implants - Inform your doctor about any implant in your body such as cardiac implant, inner ear implants, metallic dentures, neurostimulators or any type of hearing aids etc.
12) Claustrophobia and anxiety - If you have claustrophobia or anxiety disorder then don’t hesitate to tell your Clinician about it. He may give you sedative or some alternatives to help overcome this while performing test.
13)Take a company- Get accompanied by friend or family member to have mental, emotional and physical support and to drive you home
What is the procedure for F- Dopa PET scan?
1) Written consent is required before the procedure begins.
2) You will be asked to remove all the metallic elements like jewellry, hearing aids, metallic hair clips, metallic underwired bras, belts, keys ,wallets , coins, cards containing metallic strips ,goggles etc.
3) You will be then asked to change your clothes and wear a gown provided by the technician assisting the procedure .
4) An intravenous injection of radiopharmaceutical agent, 18F-Dopa is given to you.
5) You will be then asked to sit for about an hour to allow the radiotracer agent to get distributed to your body tissues and Brain via bloodstream.
6) If PET-CT or PET/MRI is being scheduled then you may get another intravenous injection of a contrast agent which yield high clarity images on CT/MRI scan.
7) You may be provided with head phones or ear plugs to make you feel more comfortable.
8)If you have Claustrophobia or anxiety disorder, then you may be given sedatives or some other alternatives to make you feel comfortable during the scan.
9) Before scan, your assisting Doctor will explain about all the possible adverse effects of using radiopharmaceutical or contrast material such as itching , rash, swelling etc. Your KFT report will be required to rule out any kidney disease/pathology and to check your GFR.
10) Then you will be asked to lie supine on examination table which will slide and place you inside the scanner.
11) You need to lie still during the procedure as body movements may interfere with the quality of images produced.
12) Your Radiologist will take several images to evaluate the underlying pathology and at the end these images will be interpretated for making a definite diagnosis.
What happens after F-Dopa PET scan?
* You will be allowed to exit the scanner room once the procedure is over.
* You may be asked to wait in observation room for some time to evaluate any possible side effects of radiotracer or contrast being used.
* Drink water to flush radiotracer or contrast material from your body.
* The whole procedure of scanning takes about 2 hours. Up to 60 minutes are required to begin the scanning procedure after giving an intravenous radioactive agent. Whereas the actual process of PET scan takes approx. 20-30 minutes. However, it may last longer depending upon the severity of your illness and associated co-morbid conditions.
* Don’t breastfeed your baby for 24 hours post injection of radiotracer.
* You will get reports on the next day. However, you may get the image films on the same day if requested by your Clinician.
What are the risks/side effects of F- Dopa Choline PET scan?
F-Dopa Brain PET scan is safe procedure. The radioactivity in the radiopharmaceutical agent is very low and it doesn’t stay for longtime in your body. Drinking water can help to flush the radiotracer faster from your body.
However, some concerns about Dopa Brain PET scan are as follows:
1) Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid certain medications and test for the safety of baby. Ask your doctor before undergoing Brain PET scan.
2) Allergic reactions to radiotracer or contrast agent, although rare but can happen in some individuals. However, these allergic reactions are usually mild.
What is the cost of F- Dopa PET scan?
Price of Dopa Brain PET scan generally vary with city and location. Various diagnostic and imaging centers charges differently according to the quality of services they provide and the offers currently availing in them. PET scan charges also vary with the body part which need to be examined and the type of PET scan.
Dopa Brain PET test is an advanced diagnostic and monitoring tool that is available at limited diagnostic centers as it requires costly and modern equipments and skilled Radiologists to perform the scan
To choose the best diagnostic center for F-Dopa Brain PET scan in Delhi. Click here!
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is now offering 50% discount on all types of PET scan test.
You can avail Dopa Brain PET Scan at just
For more details, click here!
Which is the best diagnostic center for Dopa brain PET scan near me?
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is the now considered the best diagnostic center for Dopa Brain PET scan in Rohini, Delhi.
We have the latest GEMINI TF PET/CT system WITH TruFlight technology, India’s first 3rd Generation Time-of-flight PET/CT (64 SLICES CT) scanner in our centers.
We are also having the facility of different types of PET scan including:
2) FDG-PET Scan
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center is a NABH and NABL accredited top diagnostic center situated in ROHINI and various other locations of Delhi. It is equipped with modern, highly expensive machines with latest cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled Radiologists and Pathologists.
Currently, we are offering 50% discount on all types of PET scan.
We are open 24X7 and 365 days. You can also get free online or offline Consultation with our Senior Radiologist, Dr. Ravin Sharma regarding any imaging and scanning test.
We also offer facilities of online reporting, free home sample collection and free Ambulance services in Delhi, NCR.
We are also empanelled with various departments and organizations. So you can get the services at panel rate too.
Hurry! Grab the best deals now!
For more details visit your nearest Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) today or Call us now!
To avail free online consultation with Radiologist. Click here!
To know more about our services. Click here!
To know details about PET scan. Click here!
