Methods for diagnostic imaging using a renal contrast agent and a vasodilator
AssigneeImaRx Pharmaceutical Corp.
InventorEvan C. Unger
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for providing an image of an internal region of a patient has been developed. The method reduces imaging artifacts by providing enhanced contrast between tissue and blood during imaging. The method comprises administering to a patient a contrast agent in combination with a renal vasodilator and performing ultrasound imaging of the region. Renal disease, including renal arterial stenosis, may be diagnosed using the method.
Claims32
A method for measuring blood flow in the renal region of a patient, comprising:(i) administering to the patient a vesicle composition which comprises lipid, protein or polymer vesicles and a gas or gaseous precursor, (ii) scanning the patient using diagnostic imaging to obtain a visible image of the renal region, (iii) administering to the patient a renal vasodilator, (iv) continuing said scanning, and (v) determining the blood flow from a videodensity versus time relationship in the images obtained in steps (ii) through (iv).
A method according to claim 18 wherein said lipid further comprises a polymer.
A method for measuring blood flow in the renal region of a patient, comprising:(i) administering to the patient a composition which comprises a lipid, protein or polymer and a gas or gaseous precursor, (ii) scanning the patient using diagnostic imaging to obtain a visible image of the renal region, (iii) administering to the patient a renal vasodilator, (iv) continuing said scanning, and (v) determining the blood flow from a videodensity versus time relationship in the images obtained in steps (ii) through (iv).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.