Scintigraphic study of regenerative nodules due to fulminant hepatic failure

J Gastroenterol. 2003;38(7):695-9. doi: 10.1007/s00535-002-1123-2.

Abstract

We report the case of a 25-year-old woman with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Liver scintigraphy using (99m)Tc-galactosyl human serum albumin (GSA) and (99m)Tc-phytate produced interesting findings; regenerative nodules appeared as nodules of increased accumulation of (99m)Tc-GSA, whereas these nodules were expressed as defects of accumulation of (99m)Tc-phytate. These scintigraphic findings suggested that the functions of hepatocytes in regenerative nodules were maintained, whereas those of Kupffer cells were impaired. Although (99m)Tc-GSA scintigraphy indicated hepatic functional reserve enough to survive, she died despite intensive therapy including plasma exchange. Based on this case, it is recommended that not only (99m)Tc-GSA scintigraphy but also (99m)Tc-phytate scintigraphy is required to evaluate the prognosis of patients with FHF.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liver Failure / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liver Failure / pathology
  • Liver Failure / physiopathology
  • Liver Regeneration*
  • Organotechnetium Compounds
  • Phytic Acid
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin
  • Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate

Substances

  • Organotechnetium Compounds
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin
  • technetium Tc 99m DTPA-galactosyl-human serum albumin
  • technetium phytate
  • Phytic Acid
  • Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate