Quantitative analysis for assessing regional function of liver by using 99mTc-GSA SPECT

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiopharmacology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Assessing regional liver function is crucial for treatment planning.
• Quantitative analysis of liver function aids in precise patient management.
• Current methods may lack simplicity or regional specificity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple quantitative index for evaluating regional liver function.
• To utilize 99mTc-GSA SPECT for assessing GSA receptor amounts.
• To establish a method for analyzing regional GSA receptor amounts before and after treatment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a three-head SPECT system with specific collimator and filters.
• Developed a correlation between SPECT counts and radioisotope concentration (SPECT Counts = 0.6 x RI concentration).
• Quantified GSA receptor amounts (Cr), injected GSA (S), free GSA (Cf), and intrahepatic receptor ratio ((Cr ratio)) using SPECT imaging.

Main Results:

• Established a simple correlation between SPECT counts and radioisotope concentration.
• Demonstrated that injected GSA amounts can be calculated from injected counts.
• Showed that regional GSA receptor amounts can be evaluated using SPECT imaging, enabling pre- and post-treatment analysis.

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a simple quantitative index for analyzing regional GSA receptor amounts.
• This technique enhances the evaluation of regional liver function.
• The quantitative index offers a valuable tool for clinical applications in liver disease management.