Article

Hepatobiliary MR imaging with gadolinium-based contrast agents.

Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (impact factor: 2.7). 03/2012; 35(3):492-511. DOI:10.1002/jmri.22833 pp.492-511
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT The advent of gadolinium-based "hepatobiliary" contrast agents offers new opportunities for diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and has triggered great interest for innovative imaging approaches to the liver and bile ducts. In this review article we discuss the imaging properties of the two gadolinium-based hepatobiliary contrast agents currently available in the U.S., gadobenate dimeglumine and gadoxetic acid, as well as important pharmacokinetic differences that affect their diagnostic performance. We review potential applications, protocol optimization strategies, as well as diagnostic pitfalls. A variety of illustrative case examples will be used to demonstrate the role of these agents in detection and characterization of liver lesions as well as for imaging the biliary system. Changes in MR protocols geared toward optimizing workflow and imaging quality are also discussed. It is our aim that the information provided in this article will facilitate the optimal utilization of these agents and will stimulate the reader's pursuit of new applications for future benefit.

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Keywords

detection
 
diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging
 
diagnostic performance
 
diagnostic pitfalls
 
future benefit
 
gadobenate dimeglumine
 
gadoxetic acid
 
great interest
 
hepatobiliary
 
imaging
 
imaging properties
 
imaging quality
 
innovative imaging approaches
 
liver lesions
 
MR protocols
 
new applications
 
pharmacokinetic differences
 
protocol optimization strategies
 
reader's pursuit
 
two gadolinium-based hepatobiliary contrast agents