Abstract: Methods of providing an image of the gastrointestinal region of a patient and diagnosing the presence of any tumorous tissue in that region using contrast media comprising a combination of at least one polyphosphorylated aliphatic or polyphosphorylated alicyclic compound and at least one paramagnetic ion, wherein the aliphatic and alicyclic compounds comprise at least five carbon atoms, is described. Also described are diagnostic kits for gastrointestinal imaging which include the subject contrast media.

Abstract: Novel compounds having use as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging, as well as other uses, are described. The compounds are comprised of a copolymer which comprises at least two of a first monomer of the formula X.sub.1 -(CHR.sub.2 CHR.sub.2 --Y).sub.n --(CHR.sub.2).sub.m --CHR.sub.2 CHR.sub.2 --X.sub.2, wherein X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are, independently, OH, NH.sub.2, NHR.sub.1, COOH, COOR.sub.1, SH, or Z, Y is O, NH, NR.sub.1, S, or CO, n is 0-10,000, m is 0 or 1, each Z is, independently, Cl, Br, or I, each R.sub.1 is, independently, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 substituted alkyl or cycloalkyl, and each R.sub.2 is, independently, H or OH, and at least one of a second monomer which is a polynitrilo chelating agent having at least two COOH, COOR.sub.1, or COZ groups, the first and second monomers being bound to one another to form a copolymer through an ester, amide, or carboxylic thioester linkage of at least one of the OH, NH.sub.2, NHR.sub.1, COOH, COOR.sub.