Abstract: Novel contrast media for use in ultrasonic imaging are described. Such contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible polymers, wherein said biocompatible polymers are coated with and/or in admixture with at least one silicon containing compound. Alternatively, the contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible synthetic polymers, or an aqueous solution of cellulose. The contrast media may be employed, if desired, with anti-gas agents and/or suspending agents.

Abstract: Novel MRI contrast agents that comprise one or more metal-ion chelates in juxtaposition with one or more free-radical nitroxide compounds in a polymeric or oligomeric molecule. Both the chelate units and the free radical units may, independently, be inside the main chain of the polymer or in a side chain of the linkage portion of the polymer. The number of combined units of chelates and free radicals in the polymer or oligomer is at least two.

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.

Abstract: Novel contrast media for use in magnetic resonance imaging are described. Such contrast media are comprised of biocompatible polymers either alone or in admixture with one or more contrast agents such as paramagnetic, superparamagnetic or proton density contrast agents. Additionally, the polymers or polymer and contrast agent admixtures may be mixed with one or more biocompatible gases to increase the relaxivity of the resultant preparation, and/or with other components. In a preferable embodiment, the contrast medium is hypoosmotic.

Abstract: A contrast medium useful for diagnostic imaging is provided. The contrast medium comprises gel particles, preferably of less than about 90.mu. in mean diameter, the gel particles comprising at least one polymer entrapping at least one contrast enhancing metal.

Abstract: Liposomes suitable as ultrasound contrast agents which contain media of various types including gases, gaseous precursors activated by pH, temperature or pressure, as well as other solid or liquid contrast enhancing agents, are described. Methods of using the same as ultrasound contrast agents are also disclosed. The present invention also comprises novel methods for synthesizing liposomes having encapsulated therein gases.

Abstract: Contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging comprising gas filled liposomes prepared using vacuum drying gas instillation methods, and gas filled liposomes substantially devoid of liquid in the interior thereof, are described. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in ultrasonic imaging applications are also disclosed. Also described are diagnostic kits for ultrasonic imaging which include the subject contrast agents.

Abstract: Liposomes suitable as ultrasound contrast agents which contain media of various types including gases, gaseous precursors activated by pH, temperature or pressure, as well as other solid or liquid contrast enhancing agents, are described. Methods of using the same as ultrasound contrast agents are also disclosed. The present invention also comprises novel methods for synthesizing liposomes having encapsulated therein gases.

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 complexes of paramagnetic ions and compounds bearing long acyl chains have been synthesized as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. These novel liposoluble contrast agents may be administered alone, or with lipids, suspending agents or other additives. The lipids may be in the form of liposomes, micelles or lipid emulsions. The contrast agents of the invention have particular use in magnetic resonance imaging of the liver, blood pool and reticuloendothelial system.

Abstract: Contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging comprising gas filled liposomes prepared using vacuum drying gas instillation methods, and gas filled liposomes substantially devoid of liquid in the interior thereof, are described. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in ultrasonic imaging applications are also disclosed. Also described are diagnostic kits for ultrasonic imaging which include the subject contrast agents.

Abstract: Substantially homogeneous aqueous suspensions of low density microspheres are presented as contrast media for imaging the gastrointestinal tract and other body cavities using computed tomography. In one embodiment, the low density microspheres are gas-filled. With computed tomography, the contrast media serve to change the relative density of certain areas within the gastrointestinal tract and other body cavities, and improve the overall diagnostic efficacy of this imaging method.

Abstract: Liposomes suitable as ultrasound contrast agents which contain media of various types including gases, gaseous precursors activated by pH, temperature or pressure, as well as other solid or liquid contrast enhancing agents, are described. Methods of using the same as ultrasound contrast agents are also disclosed. The present invention also comprises novel methods for synthesizing liposomes having encapsulated therein gases.

Abstract: Contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging comprising gas filled liposomes prepared using vacuum drying gas instillation methods, and gas filled liposomes substantially devoid of liquid in the interior thereof, are described. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in ultrasonic imaging applications are also disclosed. Also described are diagnostic kits for ultrasonic imaging which include the subject contrast agents.

Abstract: Gas filled liposomes prepared by a vacuum drying gas instillation method and/or gas filled liposomes substantially devoid of liquid in the interior thereof, are presented as novel potentiators for ultrasonic hyperthermia. The liposomes of the present invention, which may be administered into the vasculature, interstitially or into any body cavity are designed to accumulate in cancerous and diseased tissues. When therapeutic ultrasonic energy is applied to the diseased region heating is increased because of the greater effectiveness of sound energy absorption caused by these agents.

Abstract: Substantially homogeneous aqueous suspensions of low density microspheres are presented as contrast media for imaging the gastrointestinal tract and other body cavities using computed tomography. In one embodiment, the low density microspheres are gas-filled. With computed tomography, the contrast media serve to change the relative density of certain areas within the gastrointestinal tract and other body cavities, and improve the overall diagnostic efficacy of this imaging method.

Abstract: Gas, gaseous precursors and prefluorocarbons are presented as novel potentiators for ultrasonic hyperthermia. The gas, gaseous precursors and perfluorocarbons which may be administered into the vasculature, interstitially or into any body cavity are designed to accumulate in cancerous and diseased tissues. When therapeutic ultrasonic energy is applied to the diseased region heating is increased because of the greater effectiveness of sound energy absorption caused by these agents.

Abstract: Methods of providing an image of the gastrointestional 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: Liposomes suitable as ultrasound contrast agents which contain media of various types including gases, gaseous precursors activated by pH, temperature or pressure, as well as other solid or liquid contrast enhancing agents, are described. Methods of using the same as ultrasound contrast agents are also disclosed. The present invention also comprises novel methods for synthesizing liposomes having encapsulated therein gases.

Abstract: Liposomes suitable as ultrasound contrast agents which contain media of various types including gases, gaseous precursors activated by pH, temperature or pressure, as well as other solid or liquid contrast enhancing agents, are described. Methods of using the same as ultrasound contrast agents are also disclosed. The present invention also comprises novel methods for synthesizing liposomes having encapsulated therein gases.