Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Florbetaben F18 Scan
• Technical/Medical Term: Florbetaben F18 Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Summary

A Florbetaben F18 scan is a diagnostic imaging test that helps detect abnormal protein accumulations in the brain, indicative of Alzheimer’s disease. It uses a radioactive tracer, Florbetaben F18, that binds to amyloid plaques, allowing them to be visualized via a PET scan.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed: Alzheimer's disease, other forms of dementia.
• Goals/Outcomes: To visualize amyloid plaques in the brain, aiding in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and other related conditions.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Memory loss, confusion, difficulty completing familiar tasks, trouble understanding visual and spatial relationships.
• Patient Criteria: Individuals showing early symptoms of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, as well as those undergoing differential diagnosis for various types of cognitive impairment.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: No specific fasting required. Avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours before the scan. Inform the healthcare provider of any medications or supplements being taken.
• Pre-assessments: Detailed medical history, cognitive assessment scales.

Procedure Description

1. The patient arrives at the imaging center and may change into a hospital gown.
2. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted into the patient's arm.
3. The Florbetaben F18 tracer is injected through the IV line.
4. The patient rests quietly for about 45-60 minutes to allow the tracer to circulate and bind to amyloid plaques in the brain.
5. The patient is then positioned on the PET scanner table.
6. The PET scan is performed, capturing detailed images of the brain.
7. The scan takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
   • Tools/Equipment: PET scanner, IV delivery system.
   • Anesthesia/Sedation: None typically required.

Duration

• Total Time: About 2 hours, including preparation, tracer circulation, and scan time.

Setting

• Location: Hospital radiology department, outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals Involved: Nuclear medicine technologist, radiologist, possibly a neurologist.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Mild discomfort at the injection site, slight risk of allergic reaction to the tracer.
• Rare Risks: Radiation exposure risk is minimal but present.
• Complications Management: Immediate medical attention for any allergic reactions or unusual side effects.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, which can aid in better management and treatment planning.
• Time to Realize Benefits: Immediate after the scan results are reviewed by a healthcare provider.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: No specific care needed. Resume normal activities immediately.
• Expected Recovery Time: None required.
• Follow-up: Based on scan results, additional diagnostic tests or treatment plans may be discussed.

Alternatives

• Other Options: MRI, CT scans, cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
• Pros and Cons:
  • MRI/CT: No radiation exposure but less sensitive to amyloid plaques.
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis: Invasive with a risk of infection but highly specific.

Patient Experience

• While undergoing the procedure, the patient might feel a slight pinch during the injection of the tracer and may need to lie still during the scan. There is typically no pain, and the procedure is generally well-tolerated. Comfort measures include blankets and pillows, and pain management is not usually required.