Evaluation of biliary disease by scintigraphy

The value of biliary scintigraphy was studied in 180 patients with suspected biliary tract disease. Scintigraphy was performed after intravenous injection of technetium-99m labelled (1) N-substituted iminodiacetic acid derivative (HIDA) in 91 patients, and (2) butyl derivative of iminodiacetic acid (BIDA) in 89 patients. Most of the patients were investigated additionally by conventional techniques such as cholecystography, cholangiography and ultrasonography. It is concluded that biliary scintigraphy is a simple and safe technique for visualization of the biliary tract. It is particularly useful in the evaluation of acute cholecystitis, in patients with iodine sensitivity requiring imaging of biliary tract, and in the differentiation of obstructive from nonobstructive jaundice. Its value in kinetic disturbances of the gallbladder and in quantitative evaluation of hepatobiliary function needs further study.