CT of experimental hepatoma using the hepatocyte-specific lipid emulsion FP 736-03.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate whether moderately to well differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) possess the same ability to take up a new lipid emulsion contrast medium, FP 736-03, as do hepatocytes.
Material and Methods: A rat model of an experimental HCC was used. CT was performed before and after an i.v. bolus injection of 1.0 ml FP 736-03/kg b.w. Attenuation values of normal liver parenchyma and tumour tissue were measured over time.
Results: The contrast medium was taken up by the normal liver parenchyma but not by the tumour tissue for which the attenuation remained virtually constant over the observation period.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated that FP 736-03 was not taken up by the HCC, thus producing a high lesion-to-liver contrast.