PET with 18F-DOPA is an advanced medical imaging technique that uses a radiopharmaceutical called fluorodopa (18F-DOPA) to evaluate metabolic activity in specific tissues of the body. This study is especially useful for diagnosing and monitoring neurological diseases and certain types of neuroendocrine tumors.
What is this test for?
PET with 18F-DOPA is mainly used for:
Neurology: It is used for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and to evaluate movement disorders related to the dopaminergic system.
Oncology: It is used to diagnose and locate neuroendocrine tumors, evaluate pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas, and other tumors derived from chromaffin cells, as well as to monitor metastases of neuroendocrine tumors.
Endocrinology: It is useful for studying congenital hyperinsulinism in children.
Benefits of high technology in PET with 18F-DOPA
18F-DOPA is an analog of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. When administered intravenously, the radiopharmaceutical accumulates in areas where there is metabolic activity related to dopamine or in tissues with high uptake, such as neuroendocrine tumors. The PET scanner
detects the radiation emitted by 18F-DOPA and generates three-dimensional images that show the areas of highest uptake.
What is the procedure like?
The PET with 18F-DOPA procedure involves:
Preparation:
Before the exam, you will need to fast for at least 6 hours to ensure
that your blood glucose levels are low and do not interfere with the
uptake of the radiopharmaceutical. It is also recommended to drink water before the
study. Inform your doctor about any medication you are
taking, especially those that may interfere with dopamine
metabolism. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure
to inform your doctor. Additionally, we suggest you wear comfortable clothing without metal elements.
During the test:
During the test, 18F-DOPA will be administered intravenously.
After the injection, you will need to rest for about 30-60
minutes to allow the radiopharmaceutical to distribute throughout your body. Then, you will be asked to lie on the PET scanner gurney while the images are taken. It is important that you remain still during the study to ensure image quality. The entire procedure, including preparation and imaging, will last approximately 2 hours.
After the test:
After the procedure, you can resume your normal activities, unless
your doctor indicates otherwise. You are recommended to drink plenty of
water to help eliminate the radiopharmaceutical from your body. The results of the
PET with 18F-DOPA will be reviewed by a specialized radiologist and
sent to your doctor, who will explain the findings and suggest the
appropriate treatment, if necessary.
Recommendations for the test
Consult your doctor if you need to stop any medication before the exam. During the procedure, it is very important that you remain as
still as possible to ensure the accuracy of the images. Be sure to follow all of your doctor’s instructions before, during, and after the procedure.
Are there any risks?
PET with 18F-DOPA is a safe procedure, but there are some minimal risks:
Radiation exposure: 18F-DOPA emits a small amount of radiation, but the dose is low and considered safe.
Allergic reactions (rare): In exceptional cases, allergic reactions to the radiopharmaceutical may occur.
Mild discomfort: You may experience discomfort at the injection site.
To ensure your test goes smoothly, we ask that you arrive before the scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation.
Before the test, we will give you the Informed Consent, a document with important information that you must read and sign.
If your appointment is for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metal objects, prostheses (including dental ones), tattoos, or medication infusion devices, such as insulin pumps.
These diagnostic tests are very safe, but as with any medical procedure, there is a minimal possibility of an incident.
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