Name of the Procedure:

Common Name: Florbetapir F 18 Scan
Technical Term: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with Florbetapir F 18

Summary

Florbetapir F 18 is a diagnostic imaging procedure used in PET scans to visualize amyloid plaques in the brain, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The procedure involves the injection of a radioactive tracer, Florbetapir F 18, which binds to amyloid plaques, making them visible on the PET scan.

Purpose

Medical Conditions or Problems Addressed:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Other forms of dementia

Goals or Expected Outcomes:

• Visualize and quantify amyloid plaque deposits in the brain
• Aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's and other dementias
• Differentiate between types of dementia

Indications

Specific Symptoms or Conditions:

• Memory loss
• Cognitive decline
• Difficulty with problem-solving
• Changes in personality or behavior

Patient Criteria:

• Patients with suspected Alzheimer's disease
• Patients with unclear diagnoses of dementia

Preparation

Pre-procedure Instructions:

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol for 24 hours before the scan.
• Fast for at least 4 hours prior to the procedure.
• Inform the healthcare provider of all medications taken.

Diagnostic Tests or Assessments Required:

• Thorough medical history
• Physical and neurological exams
• Cognitive assessment tests

Procedure Description

1. Pre-scan Preparation:

   • The patient changes into a hospital gown.
   • An intravenous (IV) line is placed in the patient's arm.

2. Tracer Injection:

   • Florbetapir F 18 is injected through the IV line.

3. Waiting Period:

   • The patient waits for about 30-90 minutes for the tracer to bind to amyloid plaques in the brain.

4. PET Scan:

   • The patient lies still on a table that slides into the PET scanner.
   • The scan takes images of the brain which takes about 10-30 minutes.

Tools and Equipment:

• PET scanner
• IV line
• Florbetapir F 18 radiotracer

Anesthesia or Sedation:

• Typically, no anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

The entire procedure, including preparation, waiting time, and the scan itself, typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Setting

Performed in a hospital's radiology department or an outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Radiologists
• Nuclear medicine technologists
• Nurses

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Mild discomfort at the injection site

Rare Risks:

• Allergic reaction to the radiotracer
• Radiation exposure risk, though minimal

Possible Complications and Their Management:

• Management of allergic reactions with medications
• Monitoring and mitigating any adverse effects from radiation

Benefits

Expected Benefits:

• Accurate visualization of amyloid plaques
• Facilitates early diagnosis and treatment planning
• Differentiates between different types of dementia

Realization Time:

• Results are usually available within a few days and can help in timely diagnosis and management.

Recovery

Post-procedure Care and Instructions:

• Increase fluid intake to help clear the tracer from your body.
• Resume normal activities immediately unless otherwise advised.

Expected Recovery Time:

• No downtime; patients can return to their usual activities right after.

Follow-up:

• Depending on the results, further consultations with a neurologist or a memory care specialist may be necessary.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

• MRI or CT scans
• Blood tests for biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's

Pros and Cons of Alternatives:

• MRI/CT scans: Non-invasive but may not detect amyloid plaques as effectively.
• Blood tests: Easier and less expensive but currently less definitive than PET imaging.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

• Mild discomfort from the IV injection
• Lying still in the PET scanner can be uncomfortable for some patients

After the Procedure:

• No significant pain or discomfort
• Majority of patients experience no side effects
• Any mild discomfort typically subsides quickly

Pain Management and Comfort Measures:

• Comfort and support from healthcare staff
• Distraction techniques like music during the waiting period before the scan