Gadoxetate disodium-enhanced liver MRI: gallbladder opacification patterns during hepatobiliary phase

Clin Imaging. 2014 Jan-Feb;38(1):42-9. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2013.09.005. Epub 2013 Oct 18.

Abstract

Objective(s): To describe the different patterns of gallbladder lumen opacification on gadoxetate disodium-enhanced liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: One hundred eighty-seven MRI examinations were reviewed by two abdominal imaging radiologists who described the different patterns of gallbladder opacification, based on comparing the post-contrast to the pre-contrast images.

Results: Four patterns of gallbladder opacification were identified, all based on the anti-dependent distribution of the excreted biliary contrast inside the gallbladder lumen. Contrast was identified at the level of the gallbladder neck, anti-dependant wall, and gallbladder fundus. One gallbladder completely filled with contrast.

Conclusion(s): The opacification of the gallbladder lumen follows a distinctive anti-dependent distribution.

Keywords: Eovist; Gadoxetate disodium; Gallbladder opacification; MR cholangiography.

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media / pharmacokinetics
  • Gadolinium DTPA* / pharmacokinetics
  • Gallbladder / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • gadolinium ethoxybenzyl DTPA
  • Gadolinium DTPA