Ethiodized oil is a compound that contains both iodine and long-chain fatty acids. The composition of the oil is comprised of iodine combined with ethyl esters of fatty acids of poppyseed oil. Although these esters are primarily ethyl monoiodostearate and ethyl diiodostearate, the actual, specific structure is unknown. lipiodol is a lipid-soluble ethiodized oil. It is widely used for medical purposes. It can be used as a contrast agent and also show good potential in the treatment of diseases. Ethiodized oil can be used to emulsify chemotherapy drugs which is injected into the hepatic artery supplying blood to the tumor and embolized to improve drug retention and induce hypoxic death within the tumor[1-2].
Ethiodized oil is colorless or light yellow viscous clear oily liquid, non-irritating, slightly smelly. Insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol, acetone, ether or chloroform.
Diagnostic aid (radiopaque medium).
Ethiodized oil injection is used to help diagnose or find problems in the uterus, fallopian tubes, lymphatic vessels, and for looking at tumors in adults with liver cancer. It is an oil-based radiopaque contrast agent. Contrast agents are used to help create a clear picture of the body during different medical procedures.
Ethiodized oil is selectively retained in tumor vessels for long periods, and is used for imaging organs such as liver, lung, stomach, and thyroid. Labeled with I-131 or other beta emitters (Y-90 or P-32), ethiodized oil can deliver a high internal radiation dose to certain tumors with minimal effect on healthy tissues.
[1] Agarwal N, et al. Endovascular management of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas. Journal of Neurological Surgery Part A: Central European Neurosurgery, 2016; 143: 199-213.
[2] Prenner s, et al. Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Zakim and Boyer's Hepatology, 2018; 668-692.
