Evaluation of a visual interpretation method for tau‐PET with (18)F‐flortaucipir

INTRODUCTION: Positron emission tomography targeting tau (tau‐PET) is a promising diagnostic tool for the identification of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently available data rely on quantitative measures, and a visual interpretation method, critical for clinical translation, is needed. METHODS: We developed a visual interpretation method for (18)F‐flortaucipir tau‐PET and tested it on 274 individuals (cognitively normal controls, patients with mild cognitive impairment [MCI], AD dementia, and non‐AD diagnoses). Two readers interpreted (18)F‐flortaucipir PET using two complementary indices: a global visual score and a visual distribution pattern. RESULTS: Global visual scores were reliable, correlated with global cortical (18)F‐flortaucipir standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) and were associated with clinical diagnosis and amyloid status. The AD‐like (18)F‐flortaucipir pattern had good sensitivity and specificity to identify amyloid‐positive patients with AD dementia or MCI. DISCUSSION: This (18)F‐flortaucipir visual rating scheme is associated with SUVR quantification, clinical diagnosis, and amyloid status, and constitutes a promising approach to tau measurement in clinical settings.