Patent ID: 6811766
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: A61K

Abstract:
A combined preparation for use as a contrast agent in ultrasound perfusion imaging, said preparation comprising:i) an ultrasound contrast agent which comprises: a) an injectable aqueous medium having gas dispersed therein, said dispersed gas being linked to one or more vectors having affinity for sites and/or structures within tissue microvasculature of a human or non-human animal subject; and b) a composition comprising a diffusible component, said diffusible component being separate from said dispersed gas and being capable, following administration of said contrast agent to said subject, of diffusion in vivo into said dispersed gas so as to promote controllable growth and temporary retention of said dispersed gas within tissue microvasculature in said subject at concentrations dependent on regional rates of perfusion within said tissue; and ii) a vasodilatation-inducing amount of a vasodilator drug.