Which category includes imaging of the liver and spleen along with evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract?

• A. Genitourinary Studies
• B. Cardiac NM Studies
• C. Thyroid Uptake Study
• D. Gastrointestinal NM Studies

Answer: (D)

Gastrointestinal nuclear medicine studies cover imaging of the GI tract and often include evaluation of the hepatobiliary system, which involves the liver and biliary tree (and can show related organs like the spleen on the same study). The radiotracer used in hepatobiliary imaging highlights how the liver processes and excretes into the bile ducts and intestines, giving information about hepatic function and GI tract transit. Because this category explicitly encompasses imaging of the liver and spleen alongside the GI tract, it fits best. In contrast, genitourinary studies focus on the kidneys and urinary tract, cardiac studies on the heart, and thyroid uptake on thyroid function, none of which center on the combined liver/spleen and GI evaluation.