Pre-polarized saline: an in vivo feasibility study of a potential contrastagent

The potential for using pre-polarized liquids as contrast agents in vivo is investigated and the feasibility of the method demonstrated. In this study we show the enhancement obtained following intravenous delivery of prepola rized saline into the antecubital vein of a volunteer. This form of contras t agent provides signal gain on time scales commensurate with its T-1 and a llows repeated doses to be administered, thus making alternate acquisitions of data with and without enhancement practicable. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.