Amyloid positron emission tomography with 18F‐flutemetamol and structural magnetic resonance imaging in the classification of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2012.01.006
• Publication Date: 2012-11-22T12:46:16Z
• Authors: Ranjan Duara; David A. Loewenstein; Qian Shen; Warren Barker; Elizabeth Potter; Daniel Varon; Kristen Heurlin; Rik Vandenberghe; Christopher Buckley
• Keywords: Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Male; Amyloid; Aniline Compounds; Neocortex; Middle Aged; Neuropsychological Tests; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Severity of Illness Index; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Logistic Models; 0302 clinical medicine; Alzheimer Disease; Positron-Emission Tomography; Humans; Cognitive Dysfunction; Female; Benzothiazoles; Aged

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the contributions of amyloid‐positive (Am+) and medial temporal atrophy–positive (MTA+) scans to the diagnostic classification of prodromal and probable Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods18F‐flutemetamol‐labeled amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to classify 10 young normal, 15 elderly normal, 20 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and 27 AD subjects. MTA+ status was determined using a cut point derived from a previous study, and Am+ status was determined using a conservative and liberal cut point.ResultsThe rates of MRI scans with positive results among young normal, elderly normal, aMCI, and AD subjects were 0%, 20%, 75%, and 82%, respectively. Using conservative cut points, the rates of Am+ scans for these same groups of subjects were 0%, 7%, 50%, and 93%, respectively, with the aMCI group showing the largest discrepancy between Am+ and MTA+ scans. Among aMCI cases, 80% of Am+ subjects were also MTA+, and 70% of amyloid‐negative (Am−) subjects were MTA+. The combination of amyloid PET and MTA data was additive, with an overall correct classification rate for aMCI of 86%, when a liberal cut point (standard uptake value ratio = 1.4) was used for amyloid positivity.Interpretation18F‐flutemetamol PET and structural MRI provided additive information in the diagnostic classification of aMCI subjects, suggesting an amyloid‐independent neurodegenerative component among aMCI subjects in this sample.