Dynamic hepatic scintigraphy in the screening of psoriatic patients for methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity

Br J Dermatol. 1992 Aug;127(2):122-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1992.tb08043.x.

Abstract

We report the use of dynamic hepatic scintigraphy in the assessment of the hepatic status of psoriatic patients before and during methotrexate therapy. Eighty-seven paired dynamic scans and percutaneous liver biopsies were performed in 63 patients. The liver biopsies were graded according to Warin et al. with fibrosis of grade 2 or worse being a strong indication for withdrawal of methotrexate. The sensitivity of dynamic hepatic scintigraphy in detecting fibrosis of grade 2 or worse was 83.3% and the specificity was 81.5%. The predictive value of a normal scan for fibrosis of grade 0-1 was high (98.5%) although the predictive value of an abnormal scan for fibrosis of grade 2 or worse was low (25%). Dynamic hepatic scintigraphy may therefore offer a means to reduce the number of liver biopsies necessary in patients receiving methotrexate for psoriasis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / chemically induced*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / pathology
  • Male
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Methotrexate