[Study of space-occupying lesions in the liver using technetium-99m tin colloid and indium-113m chloride]

Liver scanning with radiocolloids is an important method to determine the presence, the position and the size of space-occupying lesions in the liver. Unfortunately, this information is nonspecific and it is not possible to distinguish between tumours, abscesses or cysts. Thirty-six patients in whom a definite diagnosis of hepatoma, amoebic liver abscess or echinococcus cyst had been made were examined with technetium-99m tin colloid and indium-113m chloride. The amoebic liver abscesses were avascular, showed a hyperaemic area surrounding the abscess and appeared smaller on the indium than on the technetium scan. The hepatomas showed greater vascularity and absence of the hyperaemic area. Cysts were avascular, did not show a hyperaemic rim and the size was equal on both scans. The experience of the observers had an influence on the accuracy of interpretation of the scans; experienced observers made a correct diagnosis in 73% of cases. It is suggested that simultaneous 99mTc tin colloid and 113mIn-chloride scans provide additional specificity in the differential diagnosis between hepatoma, amoebic liver abscess and echinococcus cysts.