Analysis of model and development of human hepatic blood flow using positron emission tomography

To quantify human hepatic arterial and portal blood flow separately and non invasively we developed four models using positron emission tomography. The first model considered of components of the liver and the portal system. The second applied 'curve analysis' to this model. The third model introduced a portal systemic shunt factor. The fourth model introduced a coefficient for circulation time within the portal organs. Using these four models, the arterial and portal hepatic blood flow of 1100 regions of interest of 157 patients (99 men and 58 women) was calculated with PET using the H215O dynamic method. Of the four models, the last model provided curves with the best fit. When hepatic blood flow was quantified using PET and the H215O dynamic method, a model applying 'curve analysis' and components related to portal systemic shunting and circulation time was found to be most accurate. (author)