Definition

A synthetic iodine addition product of the ethyl ester of the fatty acids of poppyseed oil. Ethiodized oil contains 37% organically bound iodine and is used as a diagnostic radiopaque medium or, labeled with I-131, as an antineoplastic agent. Selectively retained in tumor vessels for long periods, ethiodized oil 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), ethiodol can deliver a high internal radiation dose to certain tumors with minimal effect on healthy tissues.