Use of Tc-99m DTPA galactosyl human serum albumin to predict postoperative residual liver function

Purpose: Residual liver uptake at 15 minutes (RLU15), a new index for predicting residual liver function after excision of hepatocellular carcinoma, was evaluated using dynamic liver images and SPECT by Tc-99m DTPA galactosyl human serum albumin. Materials and Methods: In 13 cases of hepatectomy, RLU15 was compared with postoperative serum prothrombin levels, serum bilirubin levels, and ascites, Results: RLU15 showed good correlation with both the prothrombin activity and the serum bilirubin, with correlation coefficients of r = 0.829 and r = -0.757, Conclusion: This new index appears useful for predicting residual liver function after hepatectomy.