Incremental value of amyloid-PET versus CSF in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the incremental diagnostic value of amyloid-PET and CSF (Aß42, tau, and phospho-tau) in AD diagnosis in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia, in order to improve the definition of diagnostic algorithm. METHODS: Two independent dementia experts provided etiological diagnosis and relative diagnostic confidence in 71 patients on 3 rounds, based on (1) clinical, neuropsychological, and structural MRI information alone; (2) adding one biomarker (CSF amyloid and tau levels or amyloid-PET with a balanced randomized design); and (3) adding the other biomarker. RESULTS: Among patients with a pre-biomarker diagnosis of AD, negative PET induced significantly more diagnostic changes than amyloid-negative CSF at both rounds 2 (CSF 67%, PET 100%, P = 0.028) and 3 (CSF 0%; PET 78%, P < 0.001); PET induced a diagnostic confidence increase significantly higher than CSF on both rounds 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Amyloid-PET should be prioritized over CSF biomarkers in the diagnostic workup of patients investigated for suspected AD, as it provides greater changes in diagnosis and diagnostic confidence. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT no. 2014-005389-31.