Gadoxetate-Enhanced MRI as a Diagnostic Tool in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Report from a 2020 Asia-Pacific Multidisciplinary Expert Meeting

• Published in: Korean journal of radiology Vol. 23; no. 7; pp. 697 - 719
• Main Authors: Cher Heng Tan, Shu-cheng Chou, Nakarin Inmutto, Ke Ma, RuoFan Sheng, YingHong Shi, Zhongguo Zhou, Akira Yamada, Ryosuke Tateishi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: Gadoxetate; Gadolinium-based contrast agent; Magnetic resonance imaging; Hepatocellular carcinoma
• ISSN: 1229-6929; 2005-8330

Gadoxetate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in clinical practice for liver imaging. For optimal use, we must understand both its advantages and limitations. This article is the outcome of an online advisory board meeting and subsequent discussions by a multidisciplinary group of experts on liver diseases across the Asia-Pacific region, first held on September 28, 2020. Here, we review the technical considerations for the use of gadoxetate, its current role in the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its relevance in consensus guidelines for HCC imaging diagnosis. In the latter part of this review, we examine recent evidence evaluating the impact of gadoxetate on clinical outcomes on a continuum from diagnosis to treatment decision-making and follow-up. In conclusion, we outline the potential future roles of gadoxetate MRI based on an evolving understanding of the clinical utility of this contrast agent in the management of patients at risk of, or with, HCC.