Particulate oral NMR contrast agents

Insoluble paramagnetic compounds in suspension can be used to achieve visualization of the gastrointestinal system on magnetic resonance imaging (NMR). Particulate preparations of these agents decrease the T1 and T2 of solutions to which they are added. Gadolinium oxalate, a prototype of these particulate agents, was evaluated in vitro and in vivo (in rabbits) by NMR imaging. The effect of this compound upon T1 and T2 in vitro was also quantitated by NMR spectroscopy. Opacification of the upper gastrointestinal tract was achieved with gadolinium oxalate following oral administration. The colon was visualized following rectal administration.