Methods and compositions for magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Methods and diagnostic compositions are disclosed for enhancing magnetic resonance imaging which utilize a paramagnetic metal cluster. Magnetic resonance contrast media containing Z+[Mn.sub.12 X.sub.12 (OYR).sub.16 (L).sub.4 ], where OYR is an oxyacid such as benzoic acid, acetic acid, methyl sulphonic acid, methyl phosphonic acid; L is a neutral donor such as water, alcohol, pyridine, or other amines; X is a chalcogen, such as O or S; and Z is a pharmaceutically acceptable counterion are disclosed. Z may also be a paramagnetic counter ion, such as a high spin metal cluster. The paramagnetic cluster may optionally be complexed or conjugated to a carrier compound capable of altering the paramagnetic metal cluster's biodistribution, increasing its selectivity of tumor localization, and amplifying its proton relaxivity.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.