Using 18FF-DOPA PET Imaging to Study Dopamine Changes in Adults with Autonomic Failure and Related Disorders

What this Trial Is About

Alpha-synucleinopathies are age-related neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the build-up of alpha-synuclein in nerve cells, leading to conditions like Parkinsons disease, Multiple System Atrophy, and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Pure Autonomic Failure is a related condition affecting the peripheral autonomic nervous system and may signal risk for developing central nervous system synucleinopathies. Researchers aim to identify biomarkers, especially changes in dopamine production in key brain areas, to predict progression from peripheral to central disease. Participants receive a radiolabeled drug called 18FF-DOPA, which is used in PET scans to study dopamine activity in the brain. Before the PET scan, patients take oral doses of carbidopa and entacapone to enhance imaging quality by reducing peripheral metabolism of 18FF-DOPA. The PET scan involves a slow injection of 18FF-DOPA followed by about 95 minutes of serial brain imaging to observe dopamine-related changes. During the study, participants undergo clinical exams to confirm diagnosis and receive the PET imaging procedure. Researchers measure differences in 18FF-DOPA uptake across patient groups 95 minutes after imaging starts to assess dopamine function. The study includes patients with autonomic failure, possible synucleinopathies, and healthy adults aged 18 and older. The study is designed to monitor safety and gather detailed imaging data over the scan period.

[18F]F-DOPA Imaging in Patients With Autonomic Failure