Evaluation of hepatic functions and biliary dynamics in patients with liver cirrhosis by quantitative scintigraphy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Aim of the study is to determine the changes in hepatocyte and gallbladder motor functions, and biliary dynamics in patients with liver cirrhosis.

METHODOLOGY

The study group consisted of 17 patients with liver cirrhosis (12 males, 5 females) who were diagnosed by clinical, laboratory and histopathologic findings. Control group consisted of 20 healthy persons (14 males, 6 females). Quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy was performed by using Tc99m-Mebrofenin i.v. and dynamic images were obtained and evaluated quantitatively by computer. Maximum excretion time of radiodiagnostic agent by liver (Tmax) and half excretion time of radio-diagnostic agent from liver (T 1/2), gallbladder filling time, gallbladder ejection fraction and the transit time of bile to duodenum were determined.

RESULTS

Mean values of Tmax was 25.76 vs. 12.40 min, T 1/2 was 37.55 vs. 23.15 min, gallbladder filling time was 53.35 vs. 30.57 min, and transit time of bile to duodenum was 39.88 vs. 25.00 min in the patients and control group, respectively. These values increased significantly in the patient group (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Mean gallbladder ejection fraction was 37.55% in the patient group and 41.84% in the control group without any statistical significance (p > 0.05). The incidence of gallbladder stone was 29.41% in the cirrhosis group and 5% in the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy is a simple and reliable method in evaluation of hepatic functions and biliary dynamics in cirrhotic patients. Although the incidence of gallbladder stone is significantly increased in cirrhotic patients, it seems that a stone in the gallbladder does not affect the gallbladder motor functions.