Gadoxetate disodium-enhanced liver MRI: Gallbladder opacification patterns during hepatobiliary phase

Objective(s): To describe the different patterns of gallbladder lumen opacification on gadoxetate disodium-enhanced liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: One hundred eighty-seven MRI examinations were reviewed by two abdominal imaging radiologists who described the different patterns of gallbladder opacification, based on comparing the post-contrast to the pre-contrast images. Results: Four patterns of gallbladder opacification were identified, all based on the anti-dependent distribution of the excreted biliary contrast inside the gallbladder lumen. Contrast was identified at the level of the gallbladder neck, anti-dependant wall, and gallbladder fundus. One gallbladder completely filled with contrast. Conclusion(s): The opacification of the gallbladder lumen follows a distinctive anti-dependent distribution.