Abstract

Thirty-three infants with hepato-biliary disorders, including 19 cases of biliary atresia, were studied by hepato-hiliary scintigraphy with Tc-99m-EHIDA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hepatic function and bile excretion in these patients. After intravenous injection of Tc-99m-EHIDA, the activity of Tc-99m-EHIDA was counted in the hepatic area for one minute using the gamma scintillation camera. Counting continued for 60 minutes and time-activity curve was made. Time-activity curve of patients were divided into 4 types according to peak time, peak shape and clearance index; 1) Well excretive type, 2) Inter-mediate type, 3) Poor excretive type, 4) Extra hepatic excretive type. Uptake phase of the time-activity curve related to glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity, and excretive phase related to γ-glutamyl transpeptidas activity. This non-invasive examination is useful not only for evaluation of the hepatic function and bile excretion, but for deciding reoperation in cases with cessation of once observed bile flow after the operation.