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Title: Method of magnetic resonance imaging of the liver and spleen

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6324734

A method is described of imaging a tumor in the liver or spleen of a human subject, comprising: (a) parenterally administering to the human subject prior to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination an aqueous suspension composed essentially of 1.5 to 8 micron diameter microspheres, the microspheres having a biodegradeable matrix with a contrast agent dispersed therein selected from the group consisting of paramagnetic and ferromagnetic contrast agents. The quantity of the microspheres, administered are effective to appreciably reduce the T/sub 2/ relaxation time of the subjects liver and/or spleen; (b) delaying the examination until the microspheres have been segregated by the reticuloendothelial system and are concentrated in the liver and spleen; and then (c) carrying out an MRI examination of the liver and/or spleen by T/sub 2/ imaging or mixed T/sub 1/ and T/sub 2/ imaging to obtain an image in which the normal liver or spleen tissues appear dark and the tumor appears light with distinct margins.

Assignee:
Molecular Biosystems, Inc., San Diego, CA
Patent Number(s):
US 4675173
Application Number:
TRN: 87-030582
OSTI ID:
6324734
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: Filed date 8 May 1985
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English