Ultrasound contrast using halogenated xanthenes

Abstract

New contrast agents for ultrasound imaging and methods for use of such agents for imaging of human or animal tissue are described, wherein a primary active component of such medicaments is a halogenated xanthene or halogenated xanthene derivative. Preferably, the halogenated xanthene is Rose Bengal or a functional derivative of Rose Bengal.

1 . A method for imaging human or animal tissue comprising the steps of: 
 administering an ultrasound contrast agent to a patient, a portion of said ultrasound contrast agent being retained in tissue of interest; and    imaging said tissue with ultrasound to identify said tissue,    wherein said ultrasound contrast agent is a halogenated xanthene.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said halogenated xanthene is present in a concentration of greater than about 0.001% to less than about 20%.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said halogenated xanthene is Rose Bengal.  
     
     
         4 . A medicament comprising at least one halogenated xanthene as a primary active component, wherein said medicament is useful for ultrasound imaging of human and animal tissue.  
     
     
         5 . The medicament of  claim 4  wherein said halogenated xanthene is present in a concentration of greater than about 0.001% to less than about 20%.  
     
     
         6 . The medicament of  claim 4  wherein said halogenated xanthene comprises Rose Bengal.