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

BACKGROUND

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.

OBJECTIVES

The aim is to assess the associations between GISs and asymmetry of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration in PD.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.