CT detection of hepatic metastases with Ethiodized Oil Emulsion 13.

The use of an experimental liposoluble contrast agent-Ethiodized Oil Emulsion 13 (EOE 13)--is described in hepatic computed tomography (CT) of 23 oncologic patients. Without exception, all the hepatic metastases were better delineated in the EOE 13 enhanced scans. The postcontrast scans also detected an increased number of lesions but not all were malignant. There is no specificity to the increased lesion detection. Various splenic abnormalities were detected. Very few minor side effects and no major side effects were caused by the contrast media. We feel that with time, hepatic specific agents such as EOE 13 will become the contrast media of choice in hepatic CT examinations. Also, CT with hepatic specific agents may become the preoperative examination of choice in candidates for partial hepatectomy.