Journal Article

DZNE-2026-00338

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png [18F]fluorodeprenyl-D2 PET can detect and monitor astrogliosis in anti-LGI1-IgG autoimmune encephalitis.

Gernert, J. A. ; Sanzo, L. ; Zimmermann, H. ; Thaler, F. S. ; Vogler, L. ; Gnörich, J. S. ; Tagnin, L. ; Lindner, S. ; Kugelmann, B. ; Schaefer, R. ; Bischof, G. N. ; Katzdobler, S.DZNE* ; Werner, R. A. ; Höglinger, G. U.DZNE* ; Levin, J.DZNE* ; Franzmeier, N. ; Rauchmann, B. S.Extern* ; Perneczky, R.DZNE* ; Kerschensteiner, M. ; Kümpfel, T. ; Brendel, M. (Last author)DZNE*

2026
Springer-Verl. Heidelberg [u.a.]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1007/s00259-025-07531-5

Abstract: To explore whether detecting local astrogliosis using [18F]fluorodeprenyl-D2 ([18F]F-DED) positron-emission-tomography (PET) uncovers and monitors inflammatory lesions in patients with anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 antibody (LGI1-ab) associated autoimmune encephalitis (AE).Dynamic [18F]F-DED PET scans (0–60 min post-injection) were obtained from a cohort of 15 LGI1-AE patients, 9 of whom were re-examined during the disease course, and from 15 controls. PET quantification was performed by kinetic modelling with an image derived input function and calculation of simplified standardized uptake values (SUV). [18F]F-DED SUVr (referenced to the straight gyrus) were analyzed for LGl1-AE target regions, compared between baseline and follow-up PET scans, used to investigate asymmetry of the mesial temporal lobe (MTL), and correlated to routine clinical data.Simplified [18F]F-DED PET quantification of the 30–60 min time-frame showed excellent agreement with kinetic modelling of the full dynamic imaging protocol. In LGI1-AE patients, [18F]F-DED SUVr values were significantly increased by 16% in the MTL (p = .002) and by 12% in the cerebellum (p = .014). [18F]F-DED signals in the MTL significantly declined during the course of the disease (mean follow-up time: 15 months, p = .006). MTL asymmetry (> 5%) of [18F]F-DED SUVr was present in 8/15 of LGI1-AE patients compared to 1/15 controls (p < .001) and showed marked decline between baseline and follow-up in LGI1-AE patients.This pilot study shows that [18F]F-DED PET is a promising tool to monitor regional astrogliosis in LGI1-AE patients and may provide a direct read-out of this important aspect of inflammatory disease activity.The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00259-025-07531-5.

Keyword(s): Anti-LGI1-IgG autoimmune encephalitis ; Astrocytosis ; Neuroinflammation ; [18F]fluorodeprenyl-D2 PET-CT

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Molecular Neurodegeneration (AG Haass)
2. Clinical Research (Munich) (Clinical Research (Munich))
3. Clinical Neurodegeneration (AG Levin)
4. Vascular Cognitive Impairment & Post-Stroke Dementia (AG Dichgans)

Research Program(s):

1. 352 - Disease Mechanisms (POF4-352) (POF4-352)
2. 353 - Clinical and Health Care Research (POF4-353) (POF4-353)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; DEAL Springer ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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