Normal dopamine uptake ratio on [18F]FDOPA pet-imaging in obesity
Authors' conclusion
This study did not demonstrate significant differences in striatal [18F]FDOPA uptake ratios between individuals with normal weight and individuals with obesity in the fasting state.
Study context
- Population
- Individuals undergoing routine [18F]FDOPA PET/CT for detection and follow-up of neuroendocrine tumors, after six hours of fasting
- Participants
- 67 vs 67
- Exposure
- Obesity vs normal weight
- Obesityn = 67
- Normal weightn = 67reference
- Outcome
- Striatal-to-occipital [18F]FDOPA uptake ratio (index of presynaptic dopaminergic tracer uptake)
Methodological detailsreview of routine [18F]FDOPA PET/CT scans, multivariable regression adjusted for age and sex
- Review of routine [18F]FDOPA PET/CT scans
- Multivariable regression adjusted for age and sex
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Striatal SUV ratio
Obesity
2.2
median · IQR 0.4
Normal weight
2.3
median · IQR 0.4
P = 0.07
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | P value |
|---|---|
| Putamen uptake ratioNo significant difference | P = 0.17 |
| Caudate nucleus uptake ratioNo significant difference | P = 0.14 |
Subgroup BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²
- No significant differences between groups, including among individuals with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²
Continuous BMI and multivariable analyses
- Continuous and multivariable analyses yielded consistent results
Original publication
Normal dopamine uptake ratio on [18F]FDOPA pet-imaging in obesity. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 17 August 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →