Evaluation of portal circulation through the superior mesenteric vein with an enteric capsule of [123I]iodoamphetamine

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Abstract
We report a method by which the contribution of the superior mesenteric vein to the portal blood flow can be evaluated noninvasively. An enteric-coated capsule containing [123I]iodoamphetamine is given by mouth 3 h before the examination. The data obtained are treated by computer to calculate the portal shunt index (SI) through the superior mesenteric vein. The SI was higher for more severe liver disorders, Increasing in the order of chronic persistent hepatitis, chronic aggressive hepatitis, and cirrhosis. The SI was higher in cirrhotic patients than in chronic hepatitis patients or healthy volunteers (both,PPPP < 0.01). Correlation was significant between the SI and classical indicators of functional reserve. This method is clinically useful.