MR imaging evaluation of liver enhancement by Gd-EOB-DTPA in selective and total bile duct obstruction in rats: correlation with serologic, microcholangiographic, and histologic findings.

PURPOSE

To investigate the behavior and potential application of the hepatobiliary magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast agent gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl (EOB)-diethylene-triamine-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) in cholestasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rat models of selective biliary obstruction (SBO) (n = 20) and total biliary obstruction (TBO) (n = 14) were used. Serial Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR images were obtained, and the findings were correlated with serologic, microcholangiographic, and histologic findings.

RESULTS

In SBO rats, statistically significantly prolonged enhancement of ligated lobes occurred during the acute phase (P < .01) but was absent during the chronic phase owing to bile collateral vessels. In TBO rats, statistically significantly lower liver enhancement (P < .01) was observed as long as the obstruction persisted, until collateral bile ducts developed.

CONCLUSION

The distinction between obstructed and unobstructed liver on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR images suggests a novel application for visualizing cholestasis.