99mTc-GSA scintigraphy and modified albumin-bilirubin score can be complementary to ICG for predicting posthepatectomy liver failure

BMC Surg. 2024 Nov 1;24(1):342. doi: 10.1186/s12893-024-02624-8.

Abstract

Background: Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains a severe complication after liver resection. This retrospective study investigated the correlation of three hepatic functional tests and whether 99mTc-galactosyl human serum albumin (99mTc-GSA) scintigraphy and modified albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score are useful for predicting PHLF.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 413 consecutive patients undergoing hepatectomies between January 2017 and December 2020. To evaluate preoperative hepatic functional reserve, modified ALBI grade, indocyanine green clearance (ICG-R15), and 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy (LHL15) were examined before scheduled hepatectomy. Based on a retrospective chart review, multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors was performed to confirm that mALBI, ICG-R15, and LHL15 are independent risk factors for PHLF.

Results: ICG-R15 and LHL15 were moderately correlated (r = - 0.61) but this correlation weakened when ICG-R15 was about ≥ 20. Weak correlations were observed between LHL15 and ALBI score (r = - 0.269) and ALBI score and ICG-R15 (r = 0.339). Of 413 patients, 66 (19%) developed PHLF (20 grade A, 44 grade B, 2 grade C). Multivariable logistic regression analyses, major hepatectomy (P < 0.001), mALBI grade (P = 0.01), ICG-R15 (P < 0.001), and Esophagogastric varices (P = 0.007) were significant independent risk factors for PHLF. Subgroup analysis showed that ICG-R15 < 19, major hepatectomy, and mALBI grade and ICG-R15 ≥ 19, major hepatectomy, LHL15, and Esophagogastric varices were significant independent risk factors for PHLF (P = 0.033, 0.017, 0.02, 0.02, and 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion: LHL15, the assessment of Esophagogastric varices, and mALBI grade are complementary to ICG-R15 for predicting PHLF risk.

Keywords: 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy; Hepatic functional reserve; LHL15; Modified ALBI grade.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bilirubin* / blood
  • Female
  • Hepatectomy* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Indocyanine Green*
  • Liver Failure* / diagnosis
  • Liver Failure* / etiology
  • Liver Function Tests / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications* / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications* / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications* / etiology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin*
  • Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate

Substances

  • Indocyanine Green
  • Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin
  • technetium Tc 99m DTPA-galactosyl-human serum albumin
  • Bilirubin
  • Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate
  • Radiopharmaceuticals