Dopaminergic Pathway Imaging

Dopaminergic molecular imaging has evolved from an esoteric research tool to an indispensable adjunct in the diagnosis, management, and teaching of movement and neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite its clinical relevance, many neurology trainees encounter dopamine transporter (DAT) SPECT, [18F]FDOPA PET, and emerging vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT2) tracers only sporadically and often without a cohesive interpretive framework. This narrative review aims to provide a visually driven, clinically grounded roadmap that links dopaminergic neurochemistry and pathway anatomy to in vivo molecular imaging, with a specific focus on education and bedside application.