Value of hepatic blood flow study in the diagnosis of hepatoma.

A case of hepatoma was diagnosed by means of radionuclide hepatic blood flow study (hepatic scintiangiography) and static liver-spleen imaging. The hepatic flow study clearly showed arterial blood supply to the right lobe of the liver and provided a strong indication for the diagnosis. Sonographic examination indicated some abnormalities but was less conclusive than radionuclide studies. Subsequent contrast angiogram, computerized tomography scan, positive hepatitis B profile, very high alpha-fetoprotein test, and laparatomy confirmed the diagnosis.