Transport dynamics of the hepato-biliary system: a mathematical model allied to Tc 99m IDA scintigraphy

A generalised mathematical model of hepatic biliary tracer flows is formulated in terms of physiologically identifiable transport parameters. From a particular solution derived from this, the system response to intravenous administration of Tc99m IDA biliary tracer is predicted. Minimisation procedures applied to this solution combined with experimental scintigraphic observations yield estimates for the physiological parameters pertaining to a number of patient studies. Some hepatic conditions where quantitative indicators may contribute to clinical diagnosis are discussed.