MRI contrast agent for use in the diagnosis of early changes in the endothelium of blood vessels

1 . An MRI contrast agent for use in the diagnosis of early changes in blood vessel endothelium, in the form of an aqueous suspension containing as a hydrophilic contrast agent Gd-diethylenetriaminepentaacetate-bis (methylamide) encapsulated within single-layer liposomes from 50 nm to 200 nm in size, wherein the lipid membrane of the liposomes is made of a mixture containing: purified phosphatidylcholine that has not been hydrogenated, cholesterol and polyethylene glycol covalently bounded to a phosphatidylethanolamine molecule (PEG-PE) to lengthen circulation of liposomes in the bloodstream.

2 . The contrast agent according to claim 1 , characterized in that the molar ratio of contrast agent to lipid components is from 1:50 to 2:1.

3 . The contrast agent according to claim 1 , characterized in that it further contains caldiamide.

4 . The contrast agent according to claim 3 , characterized in that it further contains an osmotically active substance selected from the group consisting of saline, mono- or disaccharide solution and mixtures thereof.

5 . The contrast agent according to claim 1 , characterized in that the concentration of the hydrophilic contrast agent in the aqueous phase of the suspension is from 1 to 200 g/L.