Examination of the liver and the biliary tract
This examination provides information about the liver, the gall-bladder and the secretion and elimination of bile.
We choose the most proper test depending on the indication.
1. Static liver scintigraphy – common indications
- Diffuse liver diseases (cirrhosis)
- Verification of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH)
- Nodular abnormalities in the liver-differential diagnosis
- Scintigraphy of liver blood content
2. Scintigraphy of liver blood content – common indications:
- Verification of cavernous hemangioma
3. Examination of biliary ducts – common indications:
- Gall-bladder, biliary tract disfunction
- Chronic cholecystitis
- Differential diagnosis of organic and functional biliary obstruction
- Verification of FNH (focal nodular hyperplasia)
During the test a small amount of the radiopharmacon is administered to the patient in the form of an intravenous injection, which is taken up by the liver and is excreted to the gall-bladder. After this the imaging is performed which lasts for 110 minutes if gall-bladder is present and for 90 minutes if not. If the patient has a gall-bladder he or she has to eat a bar of dark chocolate at the 60. minute of the test, which enhances contractions of the bladder. We also administer a drug which promotes the elimination of bile to the intestines.
Diet: As for aquiring the most accurate results, 4-6 hours of fasting is necessary, patients are asked not to eat or drink anything except for water - during these couple of hours.
Medications: Certain medications may interfere with the test. If the patient takes any kind of drugs, the physician has to inform them 4-6 weeks (!) before the test about taking which medications has to be suspended temporarily.
Other side effects:
The drug responsible for enhancing the emptying of the gall-bladder may cause similar symptoms as consumption of greasy food. In some cases headache may also occur.
If the patient had gall-bladder surgery before, the therapist and the medical team performing this test has to be informed about this fact.
