Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy in the Diagnosis of Hepatobiliary Disease

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy, or nuclear medicine imaging of the hepatobiliary system, is a routine diagnostic examination used to identify biliary pathology. It is performed most often by nuclear medicine technologists with imaging studies interpreted by a radiologist.1 Physicians interpreting these studies must understand the indications, contraindications, and reasons for false-positives and false-negatives to accurately correlate findings with pathology. It is essential that physicians interpreting hepatobiliary scintigraphy studies understand the anatomy, physiology, and how patient preparation can impact imaging findings to best correlate findings to biliary pathology. Understanding these concepts provides the best patient care and treatment options.