What functions of the hepatobiliary system can be evaluated using iminodiacetic acid radiotracers?
Hepatocellular function can be evaluated using radiolabeled IDA radiotracers such as 99m Tc mebrofenin or 99m Tc HIDA to perform hepatobiliary scintigraphy, because radiotracer uptake by the liver depends on overall function. If the radiotracer activity in the cardiac blood pool disappears within 5 minutes, hepatocellular function is considered to be normal. A longer time to clearance suggests hepatocellular dysfunction. The patency of the common bile duct and cystic duct can also be evaluated. This allows one to diagnose the presence of acute and chronic cholecystitis. Finally, the presence of a biliary leak or of an extrabiliary biloma can be assessed.
