99mTc-Sulfur colloid single photon emission computed tomography for assessment of liver function

Abstract

Abstract The assessment of liver function is essential in diagnosis and assessment of therapy of liver diseases. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) gamma camera allows the assessment of liver function and measurement of functional liver volume. Several studies reported SPECT imaging of liver using some radiotracers, such as 99mTc-GSA and 99mTc-mebrofenin. In this study, liver function was observed using 99mTc-labelled sulfur colloid SPECT imaging. 99mTc-labelled sulfur colloid was administered intravenously and scanned using SPECT in 24 volunteers. Images were then processed to obtain liver and spleen uptake. The segmented images were processed to obtain liver/spleen uptake and left lobe/right lobe uptake in the liver to assess the liver function of volunteers. The result showed that 99mTc-sulfur colloid could give description on liver function and showed significant difference between normal and abnormal volunteers.