Process for graphic visualization and diagnosis of thrombi by means of nuclear spin tomography with use of particulate contrast media

• US 20020087071A1
• Filed: 09/14/2001
• Published: 07/04/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/15/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Institut Fuer Diagnostik-Forschung GmbH
• Original Assignee: Institut fur Diagnostikforschung GmbH
• Inventors: Wagner, Susanne, Schmitz, Stephen, Kresse, Mayk
• Granted Patent: US 6,690,962 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/420
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0263 using NMR
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0275 using tracers, e.g. dye dilution
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 49/1863 the organic macromolecular compound being a polysaccharide or derivative thereof, e.g. chitosan, chitin, cellulose, pectin, starch
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/5601 involving use of a contrast agent for contrast manipulation, e.g. a paramagnetic, super-paramagnetic, ferromagnetic or hyperpolarised contrast agent

Abstract

The invention relates to a new process for graphic visualization and diagnosis of thrombi as well as the use of particle suspensions for the production of contrast media for the visualization of thrombi with use of nuclear spin tomography.

Claims

1. Process for graphic visualization and diagnosis of thrombi, characterized in that first a particulate MR-contrast medium is administered to the patient, and after the contrast medium accumulates in the thrombus and/or the adjoining vessel wall and surrounding area, a nuclear spin tomogram is recorded.

2. Process according to claim 1, wherein the particulate contrast medium contains superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIO).

3. Process according to claim 2, wherein the superparamagnetic iron oxide particles are ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (USPIO) with a mean particle diameter of less than 50 nm.

4. Process according to claim 1, wherein the nuclear spin tomogram is recorded as a T1-weighted image.

5. Process according to claim 1, wherein the nuclear spin tomogram is recorded as a T2- or T2*-weighted image.

6. Use of particle suspensions for the production of contrast media for the visualization of thrombi with use of nuclear spin tomography.

7. Use according to claim 6, wherein the particle suspension is a suspension of superparamagnetic iron oxide particles.

8. Use according to claim 7, wherein the superparamagnetic iron oxide particles are ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles with a mean diameter of less than 50 nm.