Recent memory loss. MRI and 99mTc – ECD scan.

Case presentation:

• Female.
• 76 y.o.
• Recent memory loss.
• The patient has been under chronic treatment for hypertension and high cholesterol levels for 20 years. 
• Physical examination is unremarkable.
• Neuropsychologic tests are inconclusive, showing only some borderline memory alterations.

Teaching points:

• Each type of dementia has distinct imaging patterns in brain SPECT.
• The typical SPECT appearance of Alzheimer's disease is decreased uptake in the temporo-parietal regions, either symmetric or asymmetric.
• In very early stages, only medial temporal regions are typicaly affected.
• In a late phase, frontal regions can also be involved (C).
• Sensorial-motor areas, visual cortex, and basal ganglia are rarely involved.