Comparative Liver Scanning

Abstract

In 48 patients with suspected liver metastases, liver scans were performed with both technetium sulfide Tc 99m, and gold Au 198. In 90% of the patients, (43 of 48) the interpretations of the sulfur colloid and gold scans were similar. In 10%, (five of 48) the technetium sulfide Tc 99m scans were abnormal, while the corresponding gold Au 198 scans were normal. In all five cases, there was either histologic or strong clinical and laboratory evidence of liver disease. Thus, approximately 10% more intrahepatic lesions were demonstrated with technetium sulfide Tc 99m than with gold Au 198. Spleen scans were easily obtainable in 77% (37) of patients given technetium sulfide Tc 99m. In scanning for metastases, a nonpalpable liver had only a 23% chance (three of 13) of being abnormal, while a palpable liver had a 60% chance (18 of 30) of being abnormal.