How do you utilize skin punch biopsy to assess for alpha-synuclein in patients with parkinsonism?
3 Answers
Mednet Member
Neurology · Emory University School of Medicine
Before starting autonomic training in Boston (with the creators of a test that looks for cutaneous synuclein/amyloid/small fiber density), I used the technique on several patients. It was actually quite helpful; one patient had an idiopathic autonomic failure (with several risk factors for it) and a...
Mednet Member
Neurology · VUMC Neurology
This is mainly a research tool at this point. Keep in mind that the sensitivity and specificity of this test are not well established.
Mednet Member
Neurology · SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Please also see the answer to the following question for more thoughts on this topic:
https://www.themednet.org/question/19564
"What is the practical application of alpha-synuclein seed amplification assay CSF testing for the diagnosis and management of Parkinson's disease?".