Florbetaben amyloid PET acquisition time: Influence on Centiloids and interpretation

• Published in: Alzheimer's & dementia 2024-08, Vol.20 (8), p.5299-5310
• Main Authors: Johns, Emily, Vossler, Hillary A., Young, Christina B., Carlson, Mackenzie L., Winer, Joseph R., Younes, Kyan, Park, Jennifer, Rathmann‐Bloch, Julia, Smith, Viktorija, Harrison, Theresa M., Landau, Susan, Henderson, Victor, Wagner, Anthony, Sha, Sharon J., Zeineh, Michael, Zaharchuk, Greg, Poston, Kathleen L., Davidzon, Guido A., Mormino, Elizabeth C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Alzheimer Disease - diagnostic imaging; Alzheimer Disease - metabolism; Alzheimer's disease; Aniline Compounds; biomarkers; Brain - diagnostic imaging; Brain - metabolism; clinical trials; Cognitive Dysfunction - diagnostic imaging; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; neuroimaging; Positron-Emission Tomography; Stilbenes; Time Factors
• ISSN: 1552-5260; 1552-5279; 1552-5279
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.13893

INTRODUCTION Amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) acquisition timing impacts quantification. METHODS In florbetaben (FBB) PET scans of 245 adults with and without cognitive impairment, we investigated the impact of post‐injection acquisition time on Centiloids (CLs) across five reference regions. CL equations for FBB were derived using standard methods, using FBB data collected between 90 and 110 min with paired Pittsburgh compound B data. Linear mixed models and t‐tests evaluated the impact of acquisition time on CL increases. RESULTS CL values increased significantly over the scan using the whole cerebellum, cerebellar gray matter, and brainstem as reference regions, particularly in amyloid‐positive individuals. In contrast, CLs based on white matter–containing reference regions decreased across the scan. DISCUSSION The quantification of CLs in FBB PET imaging is influenced by both the overall scan acquisition time and the choice of reference region. Standardized acquisition protocols or the application of acquisition time–specific CL equations should be implemented in clinical protocols. Highlights Acquisition timing affects florbetaben positron emission tomography (PET) scan quantification, especially in amyloid‐positive participants. The impact of acquisition timing on quantification varies across common reference regions. Consistent acquisitions and/or appropriate post‐injection adjustments are needed to ensure comparability of PET data.