Pragmatic Approach on Neuroimaging Techniques for the Differential Diagnosis of Parkinsonisms

Background Rapid advances in neuroimaging technologies in the exploration of the living human brain also apply to movement disorders. However, the accurate diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonian disorders (APDs) still remains a challenge in daily practice. Methods We review the literature and our own experience as the Movement Disorder Society-Neuroimaging Study Group in Movement Disorders with the aim of providing a practical approach to the use of imaging technologies in the clinical setting. Results The enormous amount of articles published so far and our increasing recognition of imaging technologies contrast with a lack of imaging protocols and updated algorithms for differential diagnosis. The distinctive pathological involvement in different brain structures and the correlation with imaging findings obtained with magnetic resonance, positron emission tomography, or single-photon emission computed tomography illustrate what qualitative and quantitative measures may be useful in the clinical setting. Conclusion We delineate a pragmatic approach to discuss imaging technologies, updated imaging algorithms, and their implications for differential diagnoses in PD and APDs.