Clinical application of liver-specific contrast agent Gd+-EOB-DTPA in progression assessment and early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Gd+- EOB- DTPA,a liver- specific contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging( MRI),has intracellular and extracellular functions. The contrast agent can be absorbed into normal liver cells and excreted into the bile,with an absorption rate of about 50% and an excretion rate of about 50%. The author reviews and summarizes the cases who underwent Gd+- EOB- DTPA- enhanced MRI in the Department of Radiology,Zhongshan Hospital in recent two years and focuses on the use of this contrast agent in following aspects: detection of early or small hepatocellular carcinoma( HCC),potential value for HCC grading,and differentiation between benign and malignant cirrhotic nodules in the multi- step progression of HCC. This review shows the effectiveness and unique advantage of Gd+- EOB- DTPA in the diagnosis of HCC,providing more comprehensive information for HCC patients.