A Preliminary Exploratory Study on the Application of Gd-EOB-DTPA-Enhanced MRI for Assessing Gallbladder Ejection...

To preliminarily explore the feasibility and clinical implications of using gadoxetic acid disodium (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing the gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) in patients with cholecystolithiasis.

This retrospective analysis encompassed 81 patients with gallstones who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI. Gallbladder volume was measured during fasting and at 1 h after a lipid-rich meal to calculate the GBEF. Two radiologists independently reviewed the images for GBEF, structural anomalies, and biliary patency.

The mean GBEF was 62.29% ± 25.2%. Sixty patients demonstrated a GBEF > 50%, while 21 had a GBEF ≤ 50%. The imaging also facilitated the identification of gallbladder malformations (41/81) and abnormal pancreaticobiliary junctions (20/81). Bile flow into the gallbladder via the cystic duct and into the duodenum was observed in 66 patients.

This exploratory study suggests that Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI is a feasible modality for simultaneous anatomical evaluation and functional assessment of the GBEF in cholecystolithiasis patients. It provides a comprehensive visualization of biliary dynamics. However, the findings are preliminary, and further validation against standard modalities with controlled study design is required to establish its accuracy and clinical utility.