Differentiation of focal intrahepatic lesions with 99mTc-red blood cell imaging

Journal Article · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Radiology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1148/radiology.146.3.6298859· OSTI ID:5686462

Engel, M A; Marks, D S; Sandler, M A; Shetty, P

The appearance of focal hepatic lesions on 99mTc-sulfur colloid images is nonspecific. As it is important to distinguish hemangiomas from other lesions prior to biopsy, a prospective study was performed using 99mTc-labeled red blood cells. Dynamic perfusion and delayed blood-pool images (1-2 hours) were obtained and lesion activity categorized as increased, equal, or decreased compared with the liver. Of 21 patients studied, 9 (43%) had one or more hepatic hemangiomas, and 8 of these 9 patients (89%) demonstrated increased blood-pool activity. The 12 nonhemangiomatous lesions consisted of 7 metastatic tumors, 2 hepatomas, 1 cirrhotic nodule, and 2 hepatic cysts. None of these 12 patients had increased activity on delayed blood-pool images. Early dynamic images of hepatic hemangiomas demonstrated variable activity (vascularity) and were not useful in differentiating hemangiomas from other lesions. Sensitivity was 89% and specificity 100%. Although liver enzymes are usually normal with hepatic hemangiomas, they may also be normal in metastatic disease. The authors recommend that delayed blood-pool imaging be performed prior to biopsy, particularly in patients without a known primary tumor or those with normal liver enzyme levels.

• Research Organization: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI
• OSTI ID: 5686462
• Journal Information: Radiology; (United States), Journal Name: Radiology; (United States) Vol. 146:3; ISSN RADLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BLOOD
BLOOD CELLS
BLOOD CIRCULATION
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ORGANS
PATIENTS
PERFUSED ORGANS
RADIOISOTOPE SCANNING
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