Lipiodol in embolization therapy: Evolution from a diagnostic to a therapeutic agent

Lipiodol was first synthesized in 1901 by Marcel Guerbet and was originally utilized in diagnostic radiology as a contrast agent. In the past several decades, Lipiodol has become more commonly used as a therapy in interventional procedures such as conventional transarterial chemoembolization, prostate artery embolization, arteriovenous malformation embolization, and musculoskeletal embolization. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the historical evolution, physical properties, and clinical applications of Lipiodol (ethiodized oil) within interventional radiology and highlight its transition from a diagnostic contrast medium to a multifunctional therapeutic agent.