Contrast agents for MR imaging of the liver: a clinical overview

Different contrast agents have been clinically used in MR imaging of the liver including extracellular gadolinium chelates, contrast agents targeted to the macrophage-monocytic phagocytic system (MMPS), hepatobiliary contrast agents, and blood-pool contrast agents. Extracellular gadolinium chelates are optimally used for characterization of focal hepatic lesions, whereas hepatobiliary and MMPS-targeted contrast agents are optimally used for detection and preoperative evaluation. The present review portrays these contrast agents and discusses their advantages and shortcomings.