Magnetic resonance imaging of the liver: consensus statement from the 1st International Primovist User Meeting

Abstract

The role of contrastenhanced liver MRI using the hepatocyte-specific agent gadoliniumethoxybenzyl-diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA, Primovist, Bayer Schering Pharma, Berlin, Germany) is considered, based on the discussion at the Forum of Liver MRI: The 1st International Primovist User Meeting. Current clinical evidence supports Gd-EOB-DTPA’s use in non-invasive diagnosis of benign and malignant liver lesions and staging of focal and diffuse liver disease. The information thus gained assists in the provision of cost-effective patient management. The pharmacological properties of Gd-EOB-DTPA facilitate the imaging of both the vascular and hepatobiliary phases in the cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver and may provide an opportunity for one-stop diagnosis of liver lesions, such as focal nodular hyperplasia, adenomas, haemangiomas, hepatocellular carcinoma and metastases. The currently recommended protocols using Gd-EOB-DTPA are appropriate for the majority of patients, but imaging time points may require modification in specific patient groups. Further experience in routine clinical practice, as opposed to that gained from rigidly designed clinical studies, may provide greater understanding of the potential of Gd-EOB-DTPA for the evaluation of the cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver. Additional studies may substantiate the potential of Gd-EOB-DTPA in the imaging of other abdominal organs and in the evaluation of liver function and fibrosis.