Current and Advanced Applications of Gadoxetic Acid–enhanced MRI in Hepatobiliary Disorders
Sandra Baleato‐González, Joan C. Vilanova, Antonio Luna, R. Menéndez de Llano, Juan Pablo Laguna-Reyes, Diogo M. Machado-Pereira, Anaberta Bermúdez-Naveira, Iria Osorio, Lidia Alcalá Mata, Roberto García‐Figueiras
Abstract
Gadoxetic acid is an MRI contrast agent that has specific applications in the study of hepatobiliary disease. After being distributed in the vascular and extravascular spaces during the dynamic phase, gadoxetic acid is progressively taken up by hepatocytes and excreted to the bile ducts during the hepatobiliary phase. The information derived from the enhancement characteristics during dynamic and hepatobiliary phases is particularly relevant in the detection and characterization of focal liver lesions and in the evaluation of the structure and function of the liver and biliary system. The use of new MRI sequences and advanced imaging techniques (eg, relaxometry, multiparametric imaging, and analysis of heterogeneity), the introduction of artificial intelligence, and the development of biomarkers and radiomic and radiogenomic tools based on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI findings will play an important role in the future in assessing liver function, chronic liver disease, and focal liver lesions; in studying biliary pathologic conditions; and in predicting treatment responses and prognosis. © RSNA, 2023