Abstract
A noninvasive radioisotopic method for the study of liver haemodynamics is described. Data collected by means of a computerised gamma camera for about 4 min after intravenous administration of 99Tcm human serum albumin colloids were analysed using a new mathematical model formulated on a physiopathological basis. Several quantities of possible clinical interest were determined, namely parameters related to liver blood flows, intrahepatic shunts, the intrahepatic space of distribution of the tracer, transit times and extraction efficiency. Results are not affected, within certain limits, by the shape of the radioactive bolus and, with the exception of extraction efficiency, they appear to be independent of the size of the radiocolloidal particle. The dose employed (3-4 mCi) is comparable with that used in liver scintigraphy. Results in 19 subjects with normal liver function, 45 patients with liver cirrhosis and 7 patients with focal liver lesions were in good agreement, from a quantitative viewpoint, with known physiopathological data, thus validating this method in comparison with other more traumatic and/or less practical techniques, which provide less complete information on liver haemodynamics. The method proposed appears to be sufficiently accurate, reproducible, safe and practical, and may thus be considered suitable for routine use in the assessment of functional aspects of liver perfusion for clinical purposes.
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