title: The specific diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma by scintigraphy. Multiple radiotracer approach.
abstract: The accuracy of scintigraphy in diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at Boston City Hospital between January 1, 1978 and September 30, 1983 is retrospectively reviewed. A combined protocol using technetium-99m sulfur colloid (TsSC), gallium (Ga), and scintiangiography (STA) was employed in order to enhance diagnostic specificity. There were 14 cases of HCC, of which 10 were proven histologically. The others were diagnosed clinically and angiographically. With one exception, all patients who had triple tracer scintigraphy showed a specific pattern of findings: (1) cold defects with TcSC; (2) Ga-avid foci, and (3) increased vascular supply from hepatic arteries. One false-positive study and one false-negative study were originally reported, although in both cases, strict adherence to the three criteria above would have avoided diagnostic error. These results indicate that triple tracer scintigraphy may be an effective diagnostic test for HCC. The relative efficacy of scintigraphy, ultrasonography, and computerized tomography in diagnosing HCC is also discussed.
authors.forename: V W
authors.initials: VW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Devereux
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Shapiro
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D004912:Erythrocytes; D005260:Female; D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D006499:Hepatic Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013667:Technetium; D013671:Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid
chemical_list: D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D013671:Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid; D013667:Technetium