title: Functional hepatobiliary MR imaging in children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Clinical application efforts for the hepatocyte-specific MRI contrast agent gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) have mainly been directed toward detection and characterization of various hepatic masses in the adult population.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Here we report our initial experience with Gd-EOB-DTPA for evaluating congenital and acquired hepatobiliary pathologies in the pediatric population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-one consecutive children receiving Gd-EOB-DTPA for functional hepatobiliary evaluation at our institution were retrospectively identified with IRB approval. The use of Gd-EOB-DTPA was classified in each case as definite, potential, or no clinical utility, focusing on the clinical value gained beyond traditional noncontrast fluid-sensitive MR cholangiopancreatography (FS-MRCP) and other imaging modalities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Definite added value of Gd-EOB-DTPA was found in 12 patients, with potential value in 4 patients, and no value in 5 patients. Benefit was seen in cases of iatrogenic and non-iatrogenic biliary strictures, perihepatic fluid collections for biliary leak, hepatobiliary dysfunction in the absence of hyperbilirubinemia, and in the functional exclusion of cystic duct occlusion that can be seen in acute cholecystitis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first reported series of children with Gd-EOB-DTPA and this early work suggests potential pediatric applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Stanford University, 725 Welch Road, Room 1679, Stanford, CA 94305-5913, USA.
authors.forename: Anobel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tamrazi
authors.forename: Shreyas S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Vasanawala
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D049448:Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; C073590:gadolinium ethoxybenzyl DTPA; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA