Tc-99m ethylcysteinate dimer SPECT in the differential diagnosis of dementias.

摘要

Sir,I read with interest the article by Tripathi et al on Tc-99m ethylcysteinate dimer SPECT in the differential diagnosis of dementias with great interest. The authors concluded that Tc-99m ethylcysteinate dimer brain perfusion SPECT is useful in the differential diagnosis of dementia with particular reference to Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). I would like to share some of my views on this topic. First, although the diagnostic criterion for various diseases is appropriate, I have an important concern for the small number of subjects in each group. Indeed, in case with enlarged ventricle, the false positive can be expected. Second, the cost-effectiveness of this new approach is interesting. If possible, data on this aspect may be given.