NCIt definition : A paramagnetic contrast agent consisting of the disodium salt of the gadolinium ion
chelated with the lipophilic moiety ethoxybenzyl (EOB) bound to diethylenetriamine
pentaacetic acid (DTPA). When placed in a magnetic field, gadolinium produces a large
magnetic moment and so a large local magnetic field, which can enhance the relaxation
rate of nearby protons; as a result, the signal intensity of tissue images observed
with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be enhanced. Because this agent is preferentially
taken up by normal functioning hepatocytes, normal hepatic tissue is enhanced with
MRI while tumor tissue is unenhanced. In addition, because this agent is excreted
in the bile, it may be used to visualize the biliary system using MRI.;