Abstract: A paramagnetic oil emulsion for magnetic resonance imaging composed of about 5 to about 30 volume percent oil and about 70 to about 95 volume percent aqueous-based paramagnetic agent carrier, at least one of the aqueous-based paramagnetic agent carrier and the oil having dissolved therein a magnetic resonance image contrast effective and less than a toxic amount of at least one soluble paramagnetic agent. The paramagnetic oil emulsion provides high intensity magnetic resonance signals in the gastrointestinal tract for MRI evaluation of the abdomen and pelvis, particularly in the distal bowel regions.