18F-DOPA traces the presynaptic function of the dopaminergic system. It can well differentiate between neurodegeneration and essential tremor.
Figure: FDOPA PET of a patient with Parkinson’s disease, the tracer uptake in the right putamen is reduced.
Indications
Unfortunately, 18F-DOPA-PET is not reimbursed by the health insurance company. For this examination, it is necessary to obtain a confirmation of costs from the referring doctor in advance, or the costs incurred must partly be borne by the patient himself.
Details see PDF, page 105ff
In addition, for licensing reasons, the substance is only produced a few days per month in France and has to be imported. You can therefore expect a certain waiting time.