NCIt definition : A non-stoichiometric magnetite core of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) that can
be used as part of contrast media to enhance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Upon
administration, ferumoxides non-stoichiometric magnetite is taken up by and accumulates
in phagocytic reticuloendothelial system (RES) cells of the liver (Kupffer cells).
When exposed to a strong external magnetic field, ferumoxides non-stoichiometric magnetite
exhibits enhanced T2 relaxation, resulting in signal loss in normal tissues (image
darkening) on mid T1/T2 or strongly T2-weighted images. Tissues with decreased RES
function such as metastases, primary liver cancer, cysts, various benign tumors and
hyperplasia, retain their native signal intensity, consequently the contrast between
normal tissue (with image darkening) and abnormal tissue is increased.;