99mTc-Galactosyl human serum albumin (99mTc-GSA) is a new liver imaging radiopharmaceutical which specifically binds to the asialoglycoprotein-receptor on the liver cell membrane.
We investigated the usefulness of99mTc-GSA for evaluation of the liver function in patients with chronic liver damage. We calculated LHL15 for the index of hepatic uptake and HH15 for the index of clearance. In patients with liver cirrhosis, LHL15 value was higher and HH15 value was lower than those of other groups. Both decrease in LHL15 value and increase in HH15 value were correlated with the severity of the liver damage. Significant correlation was also observed between the prolongation of ICG clearance and both decrease in LHL15 value and increase in HH15 value.
In conclusion, these findings indicate that 99mTc-GSA can be a useful agent for evaluation of the liver function in patients with chronic liver damage.
