Eovist Injection and Resovist Injection: two new liver-specific contrast agents for MRI

Eovist Injection (gadolinium-EOB-DTPA) is selectively taken up by hepatocytes, which will increase the signal intensity of normal liver parenchyma on T1-weighted images. This results in improved lesion-to-liver contrast because malignant tumors either do not contain hepatocytes or their functioning is hampered. Following intravenous (i.v.) bolus injection, Eovist Injection is excreted by both the renal and biliary routes. Clinical trials have evaluated the safety and efficacy of Eovist Injection up to a dose of 100 mumol/kg body weight. Resovist Injection (SHU-555A) contains iron-oxide nanoparticles coated with carboxydextran and is administered as an intravenous bolus injection at a fixed-volume dose, dependent on body weight. The uptake of Resovist Injection in the reticuloendothelial (RES) cells results in a decrease of the signal intensity of normal liver parenchyma on both T2- and T1-weighted images. Due to the altered phagocytic distribution and activity, the signal intensity in most metastatic tumors is not affected, resulting in improved lesion-to-liver contrast. Both Resovist Injection and Eovist Injection have exhibited acceptable safety profiles in clinical trials, and have the potential to provide additional information regarding lesion detection, classification, and characterization.