Application of Hepatocyte-Specific MR Contrast Agent Gd-EOB-DTPA in the Evaluation of Liver Function

Objective To discuss the clinical application of liver signal intensity after the injection OF hepatocyte-specific MR contrast agent Gd-EOB-DTPA in assessing liver function. Methods Enhanced MRI using Gd-EOB-DTPA as contrast agent was performed in 31 patients with non-liver cirrhosis and 49 with liver cirrhosis. The 49 liver cirrhosis patients were classified by Child-Pugh grading. The differences in signal intensity were statistically compared between the liver cirrhosis group and the non-liver cirrhosis group,as well as between the different Child-Pugh classes in the liver cirrhosis group. Results Statistically significant differences in liver signal intensity existed between non-liver cirrhosis group and liver cirrhosis group; statistically significant differences in liver signal intensity also existed between each other among Child-Pugh class A,B and C. The liver signal intensity was negatively correlated with the Child-Pugh class. Conclusion Liver signal intensity on Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI can reflect the hepotocyte function. Enhanced MRI using GdEOB-DTPA as contrast agent is expected to be a reliable method for the evaluation of liver function.