technetium-tc-99m-pyrophosphate and Carcinoma--Hepatocellular

Sequential liver scintiphotography with Tc-99m pyrophosphate (PYP) was used to prospectively evaluate its uptake patterns in hepatoma. The scintiphotos and time-activity curves of 40 cases were analyzed. Two distinct patterns of tumor activity were noted: gradual but complete extraction and trapping of Tc-99m PYP in hepatoma in 38% of the patients (group 1), and absence of subsequent Tc-99m PYP uptake in hepatoma after initial blood pool activity in 62% of the patients (group 2). Since extraction and trapping of Tc-99m PYP occur approximately in two fifths of the patients with hepatoma, we conclude that Tc-99m PYP liver scintigraphy is not worthwhile supplementing the conventional radionuclide studies for diagnosing hepatoma, even in the selected patients in the countries where the prevalence of hepatoma is high.

Topics: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Diphosphates; Humans; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Radionuclide Imaging; Technetium; Technetium Tc 99m Pyrophosphate; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid; Time Factors