Technetium (99mTc) mebrofenin

Technetium (99mTc) mebrofenin is a radiopharmaceutical agent used in the imaging of the liver and gallbladder. It is a derivative of iminodiacetic acid (IDA), and is commonly used in nuclear medicine for hepatobiliary imaging.

Chemistry

Technetium (99mTc) mebrofenin is a complex of technetium-99m and mebrofenin, a derivative of IDA. The technetium-99m provides the radioactive component, while the mebrofenin molecule acts as a carrier, allowing the complex to be taken up by the liver cells.

Pharmacology

After intravenous administration, Technetium (99mTc) mebrofenin is rapidly taken up by the liver cells and excreted into the bile. This allows for the imaging of the liver and gallbladder. The rapid uptake and excretion of the drug make it ideal for imaging procedures, as it provides a clear image in a short amount of time.

Clinical Use

Technetium (99mTc) mebrofenin is used in hepatobiliary imaging to diagnose various conditions such as biliary obstruction, gallstones, and liver disease. It can also be used to assess liver function prior to liver surgery or transplantation.

Safety and Side Effects

As with all radiopharmaceuticals, there is a risk of radiation exposure with the use of Technetium (99mTc) mebrofenin. However, the risk is considered low due to the short half-life of technetium-99m. Side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions, nausea, and vomiting.

See Also

• Technetium-99m
• Radiopharmaceutical
• Iminodiacetic acid
• Nuclear medicine