Hepatobiliary scintigraphy

This chapter describes the role of nuclear medicine in the evaluation of the hepatobiliary system. The technical aspects of hepatobiliary scintigraphy, or cholescintigraphy (radiopharmaceutical, radiation dosimetry, instrumentation, and method) are briefly presented, followed by a discussion of each of the indications for such examination. Its relative advantages and disadvantages with respect to alternative radiographic examinations are emphasized. Logical, efficient, cost-effective sequences of diagnostic studies are recommended whenever appropriate in order to derive the maximum information with the least time and expense. It is hoped that the reader will come away with an appreciation of the type of diagnostic information provided by hepatobiliary scintigraphy, its accuracy, its application in the workup of the patient with hepatobiliary disease, and its strengths and limitations compared with other radiologic studies