A new type of liposomal liver-specific contrast medium was studied in
an experimental tumour model. Rabbits were inoculated with VX2-carcino
ma directly into the liver at laparotomy. CT studies were carried out
14 days after inoculation. The liver-specific contrast medium consiste
d of a suspension of liposomes in a 100 mg I/ml iodixanol solution, wi
th equal amounts of encapsulated and nonencapsulated iodixanol. It was
administered at a dose of 200 mg I/kg. The contrast of normal liver t
issue to tumorous tissue was significantly increased by contrast mediu
m administration, the increase being largest 10 min after injection.