GI Hepatic

This study is performed on neonates, infants, and children to determine if there is evidence of pulmonary aspiration of saliva that might explain recurrent pneumonias

To differentiate malignant from benign salivary tumors, or to evaluate salivary gland function after radiotherapy

To check the patency of the LaVeen or Denver shunt

OBTAINING MEAL FOR GASTRIC EMPTYING STUDY

To determine the presence of splenic tissue. This test can be used to identify asplenia and polysplenia

Abnormalities present as cold spots regardless of etiology (tumor, abscess, cyst, trauma, etc.). The scan can be performed in transplants where regional infarcts occur (wedge shaped)

Preoperative evaluation of future remnant liver function of donor and postoperative confirmation of remnant.

Indications:
•Diagnosis of acute cholecystitis (both calculus and acalculous disease)
•Determination of patency of common bile duct when ultrasound examination not diagnostic (e.g., very early obstruction)
•Evaluation of biliary dyskinesia (gallbladder ejection fraction [GBEF] test) for chronic cholecystitis
•Identification of biliary leaks
•Differentiation of biliary atresia from neonatal hepatitis
•Evaluation of presence, or absence of, spleen (with T-99m SC Liver Scan). •Suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction or partial biliary obstruction due to stones or stricture.

The site of the lesion in question must be known in advance, so the appropriate view can be chosen for the flow study. Therefore, the appropriate CT or US must be available at time of approval of study by NM resident or staff. This study is ideal for hemangiomas if a multi-headed scanner is used with lesions greater than 1.4 cm and not located near portal vessels. If lesion is small or near major vessels suggest MRI as primary imaging modality to confirm hemangioma.

Patients with hepatic artery catheters for treatment of hepatic metastases