The invention provides a composition of matter of formula I V-L-R (I)
where V is an organic group having binding affinity for an angiotensin II
receptor site, L is a linker moiety or a bond, and R is a moiety
detectable in in vivo imaging of a human or animal body, with the
provisos that where V is angiotensin or a peptidic angiotensin derivative
or analog then V-L-R is other than a non-metal radionuclide substituted
peptide (eg .sup.125I substituted angiotensin II) and L-V is other than
simply a peptide with a chelating agent amide bonded to a side chain
thereof. This composition of matter may be used to image cardiovascular
diseases and disorders.