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Liver MRI with contrast enhancement
1Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Center, University of Kentucky, Chandler Medical Center, Lexington 40536-0098, USA.
Critical Reviews in Diagnostic Imaging
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Advances in liver MR imaging utilize new contrast agents and techniques. Different agents, including extracellular, hepatobiliary, and particulate types, require specific imaging strategies for optimal liver visualization.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Liver Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging has seen significant advancements.
- These improvements stem from innovations in equipment and pharmaceutical development for contrast agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of liver contrast agents.
- To discuss the appropriate imaging techniques for each class of agent.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of contrast agents into extracellular, hepatobiliary, and particulate classes.
- Description of imaging protocols (T1-weighted, T2-weighted, dynamic, delayed scans) tailored to each agent class.
Main Results:
- Extracellular agents (e.g., Gd HP-DO3A) are in clinical use, requiring dynamic T1-weighted scans.
- Hepatobiliary agents (e.g., Gd EOB-DTPA) are in trials, needing dynamic and delayed T1-weighted scans.
- Particulate agents (e.g., AMI-25) are approved, utilizing delayed T2-weighted imaging.
Conclusions:
- Optimal liver MR imaging depends on selecting the correct contrast agent and employing specific imaging sequences.
- Technological progress continues to enhance diagnostic capabilities in liver imaging.