[Computerized tomography of the distribution of N-isopropyl-p-123 iodoamphetamine in cerebrovascular pathology. Comparison with studies using the 133-xenon inhalation method].

123Iodo-Amphetamine (IAMP) brain distribution was studied with a specially dedicated multilevel tomographic system in 30 patients with vascular ischemic (18) or hemorrhagic (12) disorders. Results were compared with clinical data, CT scan and rCBF measurement obtained by the 133Xe continuous inhalation method. Abnormalities with IAMP were found in 27 cases, in good agreement with the results obtained by the Xenon inhalation technique in 21 studies from the 22 where that method was possible. For 80% cases there was also a good agreement between the results obtained by the IAMP and CT scan: one case normal, and 23 observations with abnormalities. This is true for the localization of lesions, but IAMP appears able to shown remote abnormalities, i.e. crossed cerebellar diaschisis or functional deactivation, in the absence of CT scan lesions in the corresponding areas. This is of particular interest in the protracted regressive ischemic neurologic disorders (PRIND): CT scan were normal in all five observations but IAMP showed abnormalities in four cases. IAMP is however very expensive, so it has to be used only when 133Xe inhalation is technically impossible.