title: Diagnostic challenges and pitfalls in MR imaging with hepatocyte-specific contrast agents.
abstract: The use of gadolinium-based hepatocyte-specific contrast agents (HSCAs) has increased markedly since their introduction, and hepatocellular phase imaging performed with an HSCA is now a key part of the standard magnetic resonance (MR) imaging work-up for focal liver lesions. An understanding of the mechanisms of action of HSCAs helps ensure their effective use. The optimal delay for hepatocellular phase image acquisition differs between the two currently available HSCAs, gadoxetic acid and gadobenate dimeglumine, and MR imaging protocols must be adjusted accordingly. In addition, familiarity with typical and atypical appearances of benign and malignant focal liver lesions at HSCA-enhanced hepatocellular phase MR imaging, along with knowledge of the processes that are most likely to produce atypical appearances, is required to achieve optimal diagnostic accuracy.
authors: Department of Radiology, Austin Health, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia. mark.goodwin@austin.org.au
authors: Mark D
authors: MD
authors: Goodwin
authors: Julie E
authors: JE
authors: Dobson
authors: Claude B
authors: CB
authors: Sirlin
authors: Beng Ghee
authors: BG
authors: Lim
authors: Damien L
authors: DL
authors: Stella
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008536:Meglumine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D009942:Organometallic Compounds
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; C073590:gadolinium ethoxybenzyl DTPA; C064572:gadobenic acid; D008536:Meglumine; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA