The Radioiodinated Rose Bengal Test in the Diagnosis of Congenital Biliary Tract Disease

Abstract

The use of the radioiodinated rose bengal (IRB) test for the diagnosis of congenital biliary tract disease (obstructive cholangiopathy) has been reviewed. Experience gained in a series of studies demonstrated that a greater diagnostic accuracy is achieved with the IRB excretion test, as compared with scintillation counting or hepatic scintigraphy. Recently introduced modifications of the IRB excretion test employing the use of either phenobarbital or cholestyramine seem of additional help in identifying the patient with biliary atresia.