Overview
The liver, which is both the largest solid organ and gland in the body, plays a crucial role in supporting various bodily functions such as digestion, detoxification, metabolism, and vitamin storage. To assess the liver’s health and function, doctors often recommend liver scans, which can provide valuable information. This non-invasive procedure aids in diagnosing liver conditions and identifying any abnormal masses present.
This page provides an overview of liver scans, including the individuals who may require them, the necessary preparations before the scan, and the procedure itself as conducted by healthcare professionals.
Liver-Spleen Scan
A liver-spleen scan, also known as a liver scan, is a radiology procedure that utilises specialised imaging equipment to capture high-resolution images of the liver. This imaging technique assists healthcare professionals in accurately diagnosing and treating different liver conditions.
The term ‘liver-spleen scan’ refers to the examination of both the liver and spleen, as these organs closely collaborate in their functions and are in close proximity.
During the liver scan, a small quantity of a radioactive substance known as a radioactive tracer is administered. This tracer is absorbed by the liver tissue, with the remaining portion being absorbed by the spleen and bone marrow. The liver tissue subsequently emits gamma rays as a result of the tracer accumulation. By using a scanner, these emitted radiations are detected and used to generate an image of the liver.
The presence of the radioactive tracer in significant quantities appears as bright spots, referred to as ‘hot spots’. Conversely, areas that do not absorb the tracer display reduced brightness and are referred to as ‘cold spots’. By analysing these spots, doctors can evaluate the liver’s health and aid in the diagnosis of various conditions.
Reasons to Perform a Liver-Spleen Scan
A liver-spleen scan is performed for the following reasons:
- To assist in the detection of diseases and conditions, cysts, and abscesses of the liver or spleen. Additionally, if a liver disease has already been diagnosed, a liver scan helps evaluate the liver’s functionality.
- To evaluate the presence of cirrhosis in the liver. Cirrhosis is characterised by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue.
- To identify signs of liver cancer
- To determine if cancer has spread (metastasized) to the liver or spleen from other parts of the body
- To investigate potential liver and spleen issues following abdominal trauma or injury.
Conditions Detected by a Liver-Spleen Scan
A liver-spleen scan is capable of detecting various conditions, as indicated by the test results. These conditions may include:
- Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
- Enlarged spleen
- Enlarged liver
- Liver fibrosis and/or cirrhosis
- Portal hypertension (elevated blood pressure in the liver)
- Fatty liver disease
- Hypersplenism (overactive spleen)
- Splenic artery aneurysm (bulging of an artery in the spleen)
- Budd-Chiari syndrome (narrowing or blockage of the veins in the liver)
- Ruptured spleen
- Liver failure
- Splenic infarction (death of tissue in the spleen)
- Liver lesions, such as benign tumours, abscesses, or liver cysts, and liver haemangiomas.
- Liver or spleen cancer
- Gaucher disease, affecting the liver and spleen
Preparations for a Liver-Spleen Test
- Individuals can consume food and drink normally before having a liver and spleen test. They can continue to take their medications normally.
- Patients should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing on the day of scan.
- They should ensure that they take any previous scan images or reports with them on the day of their scan.
- Prior to the scan, the doctor may ask the individual to fill out a consent document authorising the procedure.
- Any jewellery, metallic items, or dentures that might compromise the scanner’s efficiency must be removed. They may also be required to wear hospital gowns.
- Individuals must inform the doctor if they are allergic to iodine, contrast dyes, or medications. The radiotracer may cause allergic reactions, even though they are very rare.
- If an individual is pregnant, suspects she is pregnant, or is breastfeeding, they must notify the doctor.
- A person must also inform a doctor if they recently underwent any other nuclear medicine examination or barium test, since this may make the scan findings less accurate.
What to Expect During the Liver and Spleen Scan
A liver scan can be conducted either as part of a hospital stay or as an outpatient procedure, depending on the individual’s condition and the preferences of the doctor.
Typically, a liver scan follows the following steps:
- The patient will be instructed to remove any jewellery, clothing, or objects that could potentially interfere with the scan.
- The patient will be required to change into a hospital robe.
- A healthcare professional will place an intravenous (IV) line in the patient’s arm or hand.
- The radionuclide injection will be injected into the patient’s vein and given approximately 30 minutes of time to concentrate in the liver tissue.
- The patient will be required to lie still on a scanning table during the procedure to ensure minimal movement and good scan quality.
- A scanner will be positioned over the upper right side of the patient’s abdomen to detect the gamma rays radiated by the radionuclide inside the liver tissue.
- The patient may be repositioned as needed during the scan to capture images of all liver surfaces.
- Upon completion of the scan, the IV line will be removed.
What to Expect After the Liver-Spleen Scan
- Patients are advised to take caution and get up slowly from the scanner table to prevent potential light-headedness or dizziness that may occur from lying flat during the procedure.
- It is common for doctors to instruct patients to drink ample amounts of fluids for approximately 24 hours following the liver scan in order to flush out any remaining radionuclides from the body.
- Before leaving the facility, the IV site will be checked for any indications of swelling or redness; however, if the patient experiences redness, pain, or swelling at the IV site after returning home from the procedure, it is important to promptly inform the doctor, as this could indicate an infection or other adverse reaction.
- Unless otherwise advised by the doctor, patients can resume their regular diet and activities following the liver scan. However, it is possible that the doctor may provide specific additional instructions tailored to the patient’s individual situation.
Possible Risks Associated with a Liver and Spleen Scan
- Allergic reactions to the radioactive tracer used in the liver scan, although they are uncommon.
- When exposed to radiation, there is a minimal possibility of cellular or tissue damage; however, even with the low-level radioactive tracer utilised in this test, the risk of such damage is extremely low when compared to the benefits provided by the test.
- For pregnant individuals, the small amount of radiation involved in the liver scan procedure may have implications for the developing foetus.
- In the case of individuals who are breastfeeding, there is a potential risk of radiation contamination in the breast milk due to the procedure.
Post Liver-Spleen Test Care
- To aid in the elimination of the radioactive tracer injected during the liver-spleen scan, it is recommended to consume ample fluids in the 24 hours following the procedure. This helps facilitate the flushing of the tracer from the body.
- The majority of the radioactive tracer will be excreted from the body through urine or stool within a day following the liver-spleen scan. It is important to flush the toilet immediately after use and practise thorough hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water. The radiation emitted by the tracer is minimal, posing no risk to individuals in close proximity after the test.
- In some instances, individuals may experience swelling or discomfort at the site of the injection. Applying a moistened, warm pack can help alleviate these symptoms.
- It should be noted that the radioactive tracer can enter breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding should be avoided for a period of 1 or 2 days after the scan. During this time, stored breast milk can be provided to the baby, or formula can be used as an alternative. Any breast milk expressed within 1 or 2 days after the scan should be discarded.
How Long Does it Take to Have a Liver and Spleen Scan?
Typically, a liver scan takes around an hour in total. After the injection, the doctor needs to allow 15 to 30 minutes in order for the tracer to be absorbed by the organs. They will then capture images for about 30 minutes.
How Does the Liver-Spleen Scan Feel?
Individuals may feel nothing at all or a short sensation of pressure or pain from the needle puncture in the vein. Some people may find it difficult to remain unmoved during the scan. Before the scan, request a blanket or pillow to help keep oneself as comfortable as possible.
Other Tests Used to Detect Liver and Spleen Disorders
Other imaging studies for hepatic and splenic problems include:
- Ultrasound of the abdomen
- CT scan of the liver/spleen
- MRI of the liver/spleen
- Ultrasound elastography
- Liver or spleen biopsy
- Magnetic resonance elastography
Takeaway
In conclusion, the liver-spleen scan is a valuable diagnostic tool that allows healthcare providers to assess the health and function of the liver and spleen. By utilising nuclear medicine imaging techniques, this scan helps diagnose various liver and spleen conditions, such as hepatitis, liver fibrosis, fatty liver disease, and spleen enlargement. The liver-spleen scan plays a crucial role in guiding treatment decisions, evaluating responses to therapies, and monitoring the overall health of these vital organs. With its ability to provide detailed information and improve patient outcomes, the liver-spleen scan is an essential tool in modern healthcare. If you have any questions or concerns about the test or the results you receive, it is advisable to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
