Utility of Tc-99m GSA whole-body scintigraphy in detecting bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract

Recent advances in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have prolonged patient survival. However, the number of patients with bone metastases identified during follow-up examinations has increased. Tc-99m Sn-N-pyridoxy-5-methyltryptophan (Tc-99m PMT) has been reported to accumulate at a high rate in HCC lesions and bone metastases. In the patient described here, whole-body scintigraphy showed accumulation of DTPA galactosyl human serum albumin (Tc-99m GSA) and Tc-99m PMT in bone metastases from HCC. The authors suggest that asialoglycoprotein receptors may be present in bone metastases from well-differentiated HCC. Tc-99m GSA whole-body imaging can be used to detect bone metastases from HCC and to evaluate hepatic reserve.