Accessing and analysing DaTscan images

Accessing and Understanding Data
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Hi all,

I was thrilled to find the resource, many thanks to those who set this up. I am researching DaTscan characteristics in PARK2 and plan to include PPMI images in my dataset. I have identified and downloaded the dicom files of suitable study participants but unfortunately when open using a dicom viewer app or opening the files in my browser I cannot see any axial cuts or radiotracer uptake at all despite the images being labelled as DaTscan. It looks as though there is only an external view of each scan. I would really appreciate any advice on how I can best access these images including their quantitative uptake values if possible. Many thanks in advance!

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Hi @amygallagher , thanks for the question!

Wondering if any of our community members with interest/expertise in imaging data (@whiter , @nisha , @ADalby , @rochet071369 , @AmgadDroby , @bmarebwa ) would be able to help @amygallagher with her dicom file question?

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Hi @amygallagher
It sounds like the images you’re seeing are either incomplete or show only scout/localizer views, not the axial SPECT slices showing striatal uptake. Is it possible that the DICOMs you downloaded might only include raw projection data or localizer scans, and not the reconstructed axial SPECT series that show radiotracer uptake in the striatum? DaTscan studies often contain multiple series within the DICOM folder — scout, transmission, raw projection, reconstructed slices, fusion with MRI/CT, etc. The viewer may default to the first or most basic one. Did you try to convert the downloaded image files to nii using another DICOM viewer?
Some viewers aren’t great with SPECT data. there are several alternative that you might consider using:

Make sure you’re dragging the entire folder into the viewer, not just opening one DICOM file. This ensures the app reads all series and can reconstruct the right 3D volume. Make sure you selected the SPECT (Reconstructed) or Core processed DaTscan files.
Please let us know if that was of any help, and whether you might have additional questions.

Good Luck!

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