Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI for evaluation of liver function: Comparison between signal-intensity-based indices and T1 relaxometry

Sci Rep. 2017 Mar 7:7:43347. doi: 10.1038/srep43347.

Abstract

Gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) is a paramagnetic hepatobiliary magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent. Due to its OATP1B1/B3-dependent hepatocyte-specific uptake and paramagnetic properties increasing evidence has emerged to suggest that Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI can be potentially used for evaluation of liver function. In this paper we compare the diagnostic performance of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced relaxometry-based and commonly used signal-intensity (SI)-based indices, including the hepatocellular uptake index (HUI) and SI-based indices corrected by spleen or muscle, for evaluation of liver function, determined using the Indocyanin green clearance (ICG) test. Simple linear regression model showed a significant correlation of the plasma disappearance rate of ICG (ICG-PDR) with all Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI-based liver function indices with a significantly better correlation of relaxometry-based indices on ICG-PDR compared to SI-based indices. Among SI-based indices, HUI achieved best correlation on ICG-PDR and no significant difference of respective correlations on ICG-PDR could be shown. Assessment of liver volume and consecutive evaluation of multiple linear regression model revealed a stronger correlation of ICG-PDR with both (SI)-based and T1 relaxometry-based indices. Thus, liver function can be estimated quantitatively from Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI-based indices. Here, indices derived from T1 relaxometry are superior to SI-based indices, and all indices benefit from taking into account respective liver volumes.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Gadolinium DTPA / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liver Function Tests / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • gadolinium ethoxybenzyl DTPA
  • Gadolinium DTPA