title: 99mTc-labeled macroaggregated albumin in intrahepatic arterial chemotherapy.
abstract: One hundred eighty-four 99mTc-labeled macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) perfusion studies were carried out in 39 patients with histologically proven primary (four) and metastatic (35) hepatic neoplasms. Three different patterns of tumor perfusion were observed: (1) increased central radioactivity (33%); (2) decreased central radioactivity (33%); and (3) mixed and/or diffuse radioactivity (33%). Extrahepatic perfusion as evidenced by radioactive localization in the region of the stomach, pancreas, and small bowel was noted in 51%. Its presence was associated with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal complications (45% vs. 16%). Tumor arteriovenous shunting was demonstrated in 38%, showing localization of radiotracer activity in the lungs, and decreased as tumors decreased in size. The use of 99mTc-MAA infusion studies in intrahepatic arterial chemotherapy offers an excellent evaluation of catheter placement and tumor perfusion, in addition to helping to avoid gastrointestinal complications.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012709:Serum Albumin; D013667:Technetium; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D012709:Serum Albumin; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin; D013667:Technetium