[Devised a New Preoperative Simulation Using (99m)Tc-GSA SPECT Quantitative Method for Liver Resection]

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine imaging
• Quantitative SPECT analysis
• Hepatic function assessment

Context:

• Accurate assessment of liver function is crucial for surgical planning, especially for hepatectomy.
• Current methods may have limitations in precisely predicting post-operative liver function.
• Novel imaging techniques are needed to improve preoperative evaluation.

Purpose:

• To develop and validate a new quantitative single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging method for assessing liver function.
• To evaluate the utility of this method for preoperative simulation and prediction of residual liver function after hepatectomy.
• To analyze liver asialo uptake using technetium-99m GSA and derive an asialo uptake index (AUI).

Summary:

• A novel quantitative SPECT method was developed using technetium-99m GSA to measure liver asialo uptake, termed asialo uptake index (AUI).
• The method involved analyzing dynamic SPECT and CT data using the Patlak plot method to calculate Kup and perfusion index (PI).
• Quantitative AUI images were generated, correlated with existing liver function parameters, enabling preoperative simulation for hepatectomy outcomes.

Impact:

• This quantitative SPECT imaging method provides a tool for preoperative simulation, aiding in the prediction of residual liver function.
• It enhances surgical planning for hepatectomy by offering a more accurate assessment of potential outcomes.
• The development of the asialo uptake index (AUI) offers a new quantitative metric for liver function evaluation.