Incremental value of amyloid PET in a tertiary memory clinic setting in China

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study is to investigate the incremental value of amyloid positron emission tomography (Aβ-PET) in a tertiary memory clinic setting in China.

Methods: A total of 1073 patients were offered Aβ-PET using ¹⁸F-florbetapir. The neurologists determined a suspected etiology (Alzheimer's disease [AD] or non-AD) with a percentage estimate of their confidence and medication prescription both before and after receiving the Aβ-PET results.

Results: After disclosure of the Aβ-PET results, etiological diagnoses changed in 19.3% of patients, and diagnostic confidence increased from 69.3% to 85.6%. Amyloid PET results led to a change of treatment plan in 36.5% of patients. Compared to the late-onset group, the early-onset group had a more frequent change in diagnoses and a higher increase in diagnostic confidence.

Discussion: Aβ-PET has significant impacts on the changes of diagnoses and management in Chinese population. Early-onset cases are more likely to benefit from Aβ-PET than late-onset cases.

Highlights: Amyloid PET contributes to diagnostic changes and its confidence in Chinese patients. Amyloid PET leads to a change of treatment plans in Chinese patients. Early-onset cases are more likely to benefit from amyloid PET than late-onset cases.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; amyloid; clinical utility; diagnoses; positron emission tomography.