Measurement of regional liver blood low by 133Xe inhalation

Liver blood flow was measured by the 133Xe inhalation technique with an Anger camera and an on-line computer system. In the same position sup(99m)Tc colloid was then applied for edge detection of the liver and spleen. The activity of expiratory air was used as the arterial input function and a ROI was placed over the spleen representing the portal vein input function. Liver blood flow was estimated with a modification of Obrist's algorithm. Liver flow was found to be 64.8 +- 10 ml/100g/min. in 22 patients with compensated cirrhosis; 45.0 +- 4 in 9 patients with decompensated cirrhosis; 115.7 and 122.6 in 2 patients with chronic hepatitis; 48.1 and 59.3 in 2 patients with hepatoma; and 60.3 and 76.1 ml/100g/min. in 2 patients with liver secondaries. The flow data obtained agreed well with values recorded with invasive methods in earlier investigation and with those reported in the literature. (Author)