Evaluation of hepatic findings by magnetic resonance after use of gadoxetic acid

Abstract

Abstract Objective To evaluate the use of post‐contrast sequences using a hepatospecific contrast medium (gadoxetic acid) in patients with suspected liver nodules or masses, and to identify and describe the main findings in these images. Methods We performed a retrospective study with 67 outpatients, who underwent abdominal magnetic resonance examination with injection of disodium gadoxetate to investigate suspicious nodules or masses. The patients were submitted to the examination on medical request. Results The mean age was 41 ± 11.59 years. The most frequent histological types were focal nodular hyperplasia (31.3%), hemangioma (31.3%), and adenoma (22.4%). In focal nodular hyperplasia and adenoma, there was a greater distribution of hypointense and hyperintense enhancement in the pre‐contrast phase. Isointense enhancement was much more prevalent in the arterial, portal, equilibrium, and hepatobiliary phases 15–20. In hemangiomas, hypointense enhancement was prominent in all phases. Conclusion Based on the behavior of liver injuries in this study after the use of the substance studied, it allowed for a better characterization of liver injuries, which can contribute to the medical practice at the time of clinical diagnosis.

Keywords

• gadoxetic acid
• hepatic nodules
• magnetic resonance imaging