Determination of Portal Shunt Index Using 123-Iodoamphetamine Transrectally

Abstract

Liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension is one of the leading causes of death in Saudi Arabia. There are different modalities of investigation and treatment, the method which denotes the best way of treatment, is not yet discovered. 123-Iodoamphetamine was injected through the rectum in 17 patients. Sequential images of the chest and upper abdomen were obtained for 1 hour. Shunt index was calculated. There was a high correlation between Child's classification and shunt index. For Class C, all have shunting index of 100%. We found that 123-Iodoamphetamine method is a simple and non-invasive method in the assessment of patients with liver cirrhosis.