Ethiodized oil

Ethiodized oil, commonly known by the brand name Lipiodol, is an iodinated contrast agent consisting of ethyl esters of iodinated fatty acids from poppyseed oil (PubChem CID 25077). It is not a biological target such as a receptor or enzyme; rather, it is a diagnostic and therapeutic tool used extensively in interventional radiology (FDA Label, Lipiodol Ultra-Fluid). Its primary application is in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma, where it acts as a radio-opaque carrier for chemotherapeutic drugs, selectively accumulating in tumor tissue due to abnormal vascularity and lack of lymphatic drainage (StatPearls, Transarterial Chemoembolization). Beyond oncology, it is utilized in hysterosalpingography to assess fallopian tube patency and in lymphography to visualize the lymphatic system (PubMed, PMID: 28492410). The high iodine content (approximately 38% by weight) provides the necessary radiopacity for imaging. Clinical use requires caution regarding potential complications such as pulmonary embolism or thyroid dysfunction (FDA Label).

Other names

LipiodolEthiodized oilIodinated poppyseed oilEthiodolEthyl esters of iodinated fatty acids of poppyseed oil

Ethiodized oil acts as a radio-opaque contrast medium and a vehicle for chemotherapeutic agents. In Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE), it selectively accumulates in tumor microvasculature due to lack of Kupffer cells and abnormal lymphatics, providing both visualization and localized drug delivery (StatPearls, Transarterial Chemoembolization).