Evaluation of hepatobiliary function by hepatobiliary scintigraphy in hepatoma patients after transcatheter arterial embolization.
BACKGROUND
Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is the treatment of choice for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma. However, altered and impaired gallbladder function due to gallbladder infarction and bile duct necrosis following TAE have been reported.


METHODS
Hepatobiliary function was evaluated using quantitative Tc-99m DISIDA hepatobiliary scintigraphy in 40 hepatoma patients before and after TAE. The patients were separated into two groups: group 1 (20 patients), who received pre-cystic artery TAE, and group 2 (also 20 patients), who received post-cystic artery TAE.


RESULTS
After TAE, there were no significant changes in liver or bile duct function in the patients of either group. However, for group I patients, significantly decreased gallbladder function was found after TAE.


CONCLUSIONS
Altered and impaired gallbladder function is common in hepatoma patients who receive pre-cystic artery TAE, and Tc-99m DISIDA cholescintigraphy may be useful for evaluating hepatobiliary function in hepatoma patients who receive TAE.
Kao
C H
CH
Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan. kaoch@vghtc.vghtc.gov.tw
Tsai
S C
SC
Wang
J J
JJ
Ho
Y J
YJ
Ho
S T
ST
D000368:Aged; D001659:Biliary Tract / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013667:Technetium / Q000819:agonists
D013667:Technetium