Superparamagnetic agents in magnetic resonance imaging: Physicochemical characteristics and clinical applications - A review

Superparamagnetic agents in magnetic resonance imaging: physico-chemical ch aracteristics and clinical applications. Superparamagnetic agents have been the subject of extensive research over t he last decade. They consist of iron oxide nanoparticles which are highly e ffective in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The particle size varies wide ly and influences their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Their main present and future applications by the parenteral route are: ima ging of gastrointestinal tract, liver and spleen, lymph nodes. Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (USPIO) are also blood po ol agents which could be used for perfusion imaging (i.e. brain or myocardi al ischemic diseases) as well as for imaging of vessels in Magnetic Resonan ce Angiography. These agents open up an important field of research into more specific agen ts adapted to clinicians' needs in diagnostic imaging.