SeHCAT
SeHCAT
SeHCAT (pronounced: seh-kat), also known as Selenium Homocholic Acid Taurine, is a synthetic bile acid analogue radiolabelled with the gamma-emitting isotope selenium-75. It is primarily used in the investigation of bile acid malabsorption in conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease.
Etymology
The term SeHCAT is an acronym derived from Selenium Homocholic Acid Taurine. Selenium is a chemical element with the symbol Se and atomic number 34. Homocholic acid is a bile acid, and taurine is an amino sulfonic acid, but it is often referred to as an amino acid, a chemical that is a required building block of protein.
Usage
SeHCAT is used in a test to diagnose bile acid malabsorption. The patient is given a capsule to swallow containing a small amount of the radioactive substance. The amount of radiation is very small and does not cause any harm. A scan is then taken a week later to see how much of the SeHCAT is left in the body. If a lot of the SeHCAT has been lost from the body, this indicates that bile is not being reabsorbed properly, which can cause diarrhoea and other symptoms.
Related Terms
- Bile Acid: A group of molecules that are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver and secreted into the bile.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both.
- Crohn's Disease: A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation of your digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on SeHCAT
- Wikipedia's article - SeHCAT
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