Hepatoscintigraphy: Test for diagnosing liver diseases
Hepatoscintigraphy is a diagnostic procedure that is used to evaluate the condition and function of the liver. It combines two main methods: hepatography and scintigraphy, which allows you to obtain detailed information about the work of this important organ.
Hepatography is an intravenous injection of a contrast agent, which is distributed through the vessels of the liver. This allows doctors to obtain images of blood flow and the overall anatomical structure of the liver. The contrast agent may be visible on X-rays or on special scanners called gamma cameras used in scintigraphy.
Scintigraphy involves the injection of a radioactive drug that accumulates in the liver tissue and emits weak radio signals. Gamma cameras record these signals and create images showing the functional activity of the liver. This allows changes in blood supply, metabolism and overall liver function to be detected.
Hepatoscintigraphy can be used to diagnose various liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, tumors, inflammatory processes and other pathologies. It can also help evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and monitor the condition of patients with liver diseases.
The hepatoscintigraphy procedure is usually safe and does not cause serious side effects. However, as with any test, rare reactions to the contrast agent or radioactive drug may occur. Physicians conducting the study usually take all necessary precautions to minimize risks to the patient.
In conclusion, hepatoscintigraphy is a valuable method for diagnosing the liver, which allows the evaluation of its anatomical structure and functional activity. By combining hepatography and scintigraphy, doctors can get a complete picture of the condition of this important organ, which helps in making a diagnosis and planning treatment for patients with liver diseases.