drugLipiodol

Lipiodol is the trade name for ethiodized oil, an iodinated poppyseed oil used in medicine as a radiopaque contrast agent and as a carrier for chemotherapeutic drugs in interventional radiology. The oil is iodinated to render it radiopaque, allowing it to be visualized during imaging procedures such as fluoroscopy or CT scans.

Uses of Lipiodol include diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications. As a contrast agent, it has been used for lymphography, cholangiography, and angiography to delineate anatomical structures and vascular pathways. In interventional oncology, Lipiodol is widely used as a carrier and embolic adjunct in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for liver tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma. In TACE, Lipiodol is mixed with a chemotherapy drug and injected into the hepatic artery; the emulsion tends to localize in tumor tissue, enabling targeted drug delivery while also contributing to embolization.

Administration and properties: Lipiodol is given by targeted arterial injection under imaging guidance. It is lipophilic and not water-soluble, and it appears radiopaque on imaging, enabling clinicians to monitor distribution during procedures. As a vehicle for chemotherapy, it helps prolong local drug exposure within the tumor.

Safety and adverse effects: Potential adverse effects include fever, abdominal or chest pain, nausea, and transient respiratory symptoms. Allergic reactions to iodine and rare complications such as oil embolism can occur. Caution is advised in patients with iodine sensitivity or certain hepatic or pulmonary conditions, and Lipiodol use should be guided by specialized medical teams.