Use of cross-linked hydrogel materials as image contrast agents in proton nuclear magnetic resonance tomography and tissue phantom kits containing such materials

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Cross-linked hydrogel materials in the swollen state exhibit a range of nuclear magnetic resonance spin density values, spin-lattice or longitudinal relaxation (T1) values, and spin-spin or transverse relaxation (T2) values embracing that of the spectrum of values associated with animal and human tissues, thereby rendering such materials useful in nuclear magnetic resonance tomography equipment contrast determinations in physiological imaging and as to, those cross-linked hydrogel materials having T1 and T2 values substantially shorter than the surrounding tissue such materials are useful as image contrast agents for, example, in the gastro-intestinal tract.