Hepatobiliary Magnetic Resonance Imaging: First Experiences with Gadolinium Benzyloxy-proprionic-tetraacetic Acid

In recent years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used with some degree of success for the detection and characterization of pathological processes of the liver [1]. Extensive trials have shown that intravenous injection of a suitable paramagnetic contrast medium can change an organ’s resonance behavior. To date the largest body of clinical experience has been obtained with gadolinium diethylene triamine pentaacetate (Gd-DTPA), a large, hydrophilic chelate which has proved extremely useful in many areas. Due to the rapid renal and negligible biliary elimination, these highly hydrophilic substances do not provide sufficient enhancement of the liver and biliary tract [2].