Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Dopamine Transporter Asymmetry in Early Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

<p><strong>Background: </strong>The neurophysiological correlates of gastrointestinal symptoms (GISs) in Parkinson's disease (PD) are not well understood. It has been proposed that in patients with a gastrointestinal origin of PD dopaminergic neurodegeneration would be more symmetric.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim is to assess the associations between GISs and asymmetry of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration in PD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ninety PD patients were assessed using motor and GIS scales and ¹²³ I-FP-CIT SPECT. We calculated the asymmetry index and the predominant side of motor symptoms and dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging defect and assessed their association with GISs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were no significant differences in GISs between symmetric and asymmetric dopaminergic defect. Left predominant defect was related to more GIS and higher constipation scores.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>GISs were associated with left predominant reduction in putaminal DAT binding but not asymmetry per se. It remains open whether left-sided DAT deficit is related to more pronounced GI involvement or symptom perception in PD. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson Movement Disorder Society.</p>