Magnetic resonance imaging with perfluorocarbon hydrides

Abstract

Perfluorocarbon hydrides, either alone or in combination with other perfluorocarbon compounds, may be introduced into a non-vascular animal space as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or conventional x-ray procedures. In the image generated by these systems, the fluorocarbon introduced into the space is contrasted with the remaining body tissues or spaces to distinguish the fluorocarbon-occupied space from other tissues and spaces. Perfluoroctyl hydride vaporizes at body temperature, and its gas phase, which also provides in effective contrast to tissues, is disclosed in imaging areas of comparatively large void volume while using a lower fluorocarbon dose then than required for fluid fluorocarbon. Perfluorocarbon hydrides offer less radiodensity to x-ray imaging and less hydrogen density to MRI imaging, and are disclosed as diluents for perfluorocarbon bromides in applications where concentrated brominated compounds are found to cause imaging artifacts. Perfluorocarbon emulsions comprising a mixture of perfluorocarbon bromide and at least 0.1% perfluorocarbon hydride are disclosed for intravascular use as a contrast agent or for oxygen transport.