The use of 99mTc-HiDA for evaluation of cholestatic jaundice in early infancy

Eleven infants with cholestatic jaundice were examined using 99mTc labelled HIDA. Intestinal activity was seen in six patients and biliary atresia was excluded. Neonatal hepatitis was the most likely diagnosis and the patients were referred for medical treatment. In the remaining five patients, no bowel activity was detected even after 24 hours from the injection of radiopharmaceutical. A percutaneous liver biopsy was done which showed a picture highly suggestive of biliary atresia. The five patients were referred for surgery. The results indicate that 99mTc-HIDA scintigraphy is a useful noninvasive method for assessing the biliary patent in infants with cholestatic jaundice. 4 figs., 1 tab