Microbubble-generating contrast agents for ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging

摘要

The present invention relates to contrast agents comprising microbubble-generating carbohydrate particles having a surfactant admixed within the microparticulate structure, with the proviso that the surfactant is not a saturated C.sub.10-20 fatty acid. The contrast agents exhibit useful levels of contrast efficiency and/or stability and may be used in diagnostic applications such as ultrasound and MR imaging.