Clinical Significance of ^99mTc-DTPA Galactosyl Human Serum Albumin Scintigram in Follow-up after Kasai Operation

Abstract

The scintigram using ^99mTechnetium-DTPA galactosyl human serum albumin (^99mTc-GSA) which binds to asialoglycoprotein receptors on hepatocytes is a good index of hepatocyte function in various liver diseases in adult patients. In 43 patients (4 months to 30 years old) who had undergone Kasai procedure, we performed 53 series of ^99mTc-GSA scintigrams and checked the laboratory data of blood draw and the clinical status. The indices for blood clearance and liver accumulation were evaluated on the basis of the dynamic data after ^99mTc-GSA injection. HH155 as an index of the blood clearance, and LHL15 as an index of the accumulation of the hepatocytes were calculated and the HH15/LHL15 ratio (H/L15) was examined. ^99mTc-GSA scintigram correlated with liver function and clinical status. Our results revealed that 1) The deterioration of the liver functions and clinical status correlates proportionally with H/L15, 2) The results of ^99mTechnetium-GSA scintigram correlate with several liver function tests, especially direct bilirubin, albumin and choline esterase, 3) This scintigram is an useful index of clinical status and hepatic function as well as the change of the hepatic parenchymal reserve in BA patients, especially for the evaluation of liver transplantation.