Improved methods for providing an image of an internal region of a patient,
especially the cardiovascular region. Embodiments of the invention involve the
administration to the patient of a contrast agent which comprises a vesicle composition
comprising lipid or polymer vesicles and a gas or gaseous precursor, in combination
with a coronary vasodilator. The patient is scanned using diagnostic imaging, such
as ultrasound, to obtain a visible image of the region. The methods are particularly
useful for diagnosing the presence of diseased tissue in the cardiovascular region
of a patient, as well as for measuring blood flow in the cardiovascular region
of a patient.
