PET and SPECT in Neurology highlight the combined expertise of renowned authors whose dedication to the investigation of neurological disorders through nuclear medicine technology has achieved international recognition. Classical neurodegenerative disorders are discussed as well as cerebrovascular disorders, brain tumors, epilepsy, head trauma, coma, sleeping disorders and inflammatory and infectious diseases of the CNS. The latest results in nuclear brain imaging are detailed. Most chapters are written jointly by a clinical neurologist and a nuclear medicine specialist to ensure a multidisciplinary approach. This state-of-the-art compendium will be valuable not only to neurologists and radiologists/nuclear medicine specialists but also to interested general practitioners and geriatricians. It is the second volume of a trilogy on PET and SPECT imaging in the neurosciences, the other volumes covering PET and SPECT in psychiatry and in neurobiological systems.

PET and SPECT in Psychiatry showcases the combined expertise of renowned authors whose dedication to the investigation of psychiatric disease through nuclear medicine technology has achieved international recognition. The classical psychiatric disorders as well as other subjects – such as suicide, sleep, eating disorders, and autism – are discussed and the latest results in functional neuroimaging are detailed. Most chapters are written jointly by a clinical psychiatrist and a nuclear medicine expert to ensure a multidisciplinary approach. This state of the art compendium will be valuable to all who have an interest in the field of neuroscience, from the psychiatrist and the radiologist/nuclear medicine specialist to the interested general practitioner and cognitive psychologist. It is the first volume of a trilogy on PET and SPECT imaging in the neurosciences; other volumes will focus on PET and SPECT in neurology and PET and SPECT of neurobiological systems.

This Fourth Edition reflects the significant recent progress that has occurred in functional brain imaging, particularly the increased use of PET/SPECT, the use of SPECT and PET in movement disorders and dementia, and advances in radiopharmaceutical development and instrumentation. Chapter topics include PET physics and instrumentation, PET radiopharmaceuticals, SPECT radiopharmaceuticals, and technical factors. The entire book has been thoroughly revised to reflect an appropriate balance between SPECT and PET applications. Highlights of this edition include a new chapter on neuroreceptor imaging and kinetic modeling, a new chapter on brain imaging in movement disorders, and significant updates on SPECT radiopharmaceuticals.

This work has true international scope, being a unique European/American joint venture that focuses on the state of the art in both diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclide methodology. Pertinent clinical applications are emphasized rather than attempting to cover everything included in the several large comprehensive texts available in our field. This "practical" approach should make it an essential guide to nuclear medicine physicians, technologists, students and interested clinicians alike.

Radioisotope-based molecular imaging probes provide unprecedented insight into biochemistry and function involved in both normal and disease states of living systems, with unbiased in vivo measurement of regional radiotracer activities offering very high specificity and sensitivity. No other molecular imaging technology including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can provide such high sensitivity and specificity at a tracer level. The applications of this technology can be very broad ranging from drug development, pharmacokinetics, clinical investigations, and finally to routine diagnostics in radiology. The design and the development of radiopharmaceuticals for molecular imaging studies using PET/MicroPET or SPECT/MicroSPECT are a unique challenge. This book is intended for a broad audience and written with the main purpose of educating the reader on various aspects including potential clinical utility, limitations of drug development, and regulatory compliance and approvals.

Among all the clinical indications for which radiologists, nuclear medicine phy- cians, neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists (and others examining disorders of the brain) order and read brain PET scans, demand is greatest for those pertaining to dementia and related disorders. This demand is driven by the sheer prevalence of those conditions, coupled with the fact that the differential diagnosis for causes of cognitive impairment is wide and often difficult to distinguish clinically. The conceptual framework by which evaluation and management of dementia is guided has evolved considerably during the last decade. Although we still are far from having ideal tests or dramatic cures for any of the established causes of dementia, our options have expanded with respect to both the diagnostic and the- peutic tools now available. In the first chapter of this book, the contribution and limitations of different elements of the clinical examination for diagnosis of cog- tive symptoms are described, and the roles of structural and functional neuroim- ing in the clinical workup are given context.

An up-to-date, superbly illustrated practical guide to the effective use of neuroimaging in the patient with sleep disorders. The only book to date to provide comprehensive coverage of this topic. A must for all healthcare workers interested in understanding the causes, consequences and treatment of sleep disorders.