Triple radioisotope technique in etiologic evaluation of space-occupying lesions of the liver

The findings from 43 patients with histologically proven focal liver disease examined by triple isotope tracer study are presented. The method consisted in a three step technique, the first step being an isotope scan after injection of 99mTc-sulfur colloid and 131I rose bengal. As a second step dynamic hepatic scintiangiography was carried out with 99mTc human serum albumin in order to assess the vascularity of a lesion detected on the initial scan. Thirdly, the patient was administered 67Ga to evaluate further the pathologic process. According to our results this triple radioisotope technique provides the clinician with valuable information on the possible etiology of focal liver disease.