[Hepatobiliary scintigraphy: a functional test]

99mTc-diethyl-HIDA selective captation by hepatocytes and rapid excretion into bile provides a scintigraphic imaging of liver, biliary system and gall bladder. Substance blood clearance and liver half-life measurements add quantitative information on liver function. Normal, cirrhotic and jaundiced patients with extrahepatic obstruction were studied and each group showed significant characteristics. Through non-invasive biliary system visualization and liver function evaluation, hepatobiliary scintigraphy has its place as a complementary investigation in hepatology.