Lower dopamine transporter density in an asymptomatic patient with Kleine-Levin syndrome

Abstract

Background Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is a rare disorder whose pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown.Patients and methods To investigate dopamine abnormalities in KLS, a [Tc-99m] - TRODAT-1 single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) was performed in a patient with KLS during the asymptomatic period and compared with three matched healthy controls.Results the patient had 14% lower striatal dopamine transporter binding potential (DAT-BP) compared to the mean DAT-BP of three healthy controls.Conclusion This study provides in vivo evidence for abnormalities in the DAT-BP, suggesting an involvement of the dopaminergic system in the pathophysiology of KLS.