Low density microspheres and their use as contrast agents for computed tomography
OwnerEvan C. Ungerinventor
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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.
Claims16
A method of providing an image of the gastrointestinal region and other body cavities of a patient comprising
- (a) administering to the patient a contrast medium comprising a substantially homogeneous aqueous suspension of low density microspheres having an internal void volume of at least about 75% of the total volume of the microsphere, and
- (b) scanning the patient using computed tomography imaging to obtain visible images of the gastrointestinal region or other body cavities.
A method for diagnosing the presence of diseased tissue in the gastrointestinal region or other body cavities of a patient comprising
- (a) administering to the patient a contrast medium comprising a substantially homogeneous aqueous suspension of low density microspheres having an internal void volume of at least about 75% of the total volume of the microsphere, and
- (b) scanning the patient using computed tomography imaging to obtain visible images of any diseased tissue in the patient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.