ANALYSIS OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, PET, AND SPECT IN THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND PARKINSONIAN SYNDROMES

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the contribution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) in the differential diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and parkinsonian syndromes. This is an integrative literature review conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, BVS, ScienceDirect, and SciELO databases, employing descriptors related to Parkinson’s Disease, neuroimaging, PET, SPECT, and magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 14 studies published between 2016 and 2026 were selected, including systematic reviews, integrative reviews, observational studies, and quantitative research. The results demonstrated that MRI has important applicability in structural brain assessment and in the identification of microanatomical alterations, while PET and SPECT showed high functional sensitivity in the early detection of dopaminergic and metabolic changes associated with nigrostriatal degeneration. It was also observed that the integration of structural and functional modalities increases diagnostic accuracy and contributes to improved clinical monitoring of patients. It is concluded that neuroimaging techniques constitute essential complementary tools in the differential diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes, contributing to greater diagnostic accuracy and earlier and more effective therapeutic management.