In a first aspect this invention provides methods comprising administering an aqueous contrast agent to the vascular system of a subject, and performing a magnetic resonance scan to detect the MR signal enhancement effects of the aqueous contrast agent. In embodiments the magnetic resonance scan comprises applying at least one pulse sequence selected from a PD-weighted pulse sequence, a T1-weighted pulse sequence, a T2-weighted pulse sequence, and a D-weighted pulse sequence. In embodiments the magnetic resonance scan comprises applying a T1-weighted pulse sequence. A system for performing perfusion MRI comprising an aqueous contrast solution and an injection apparatus configured to provide a maximum injection rate of the aqueous contrast solution to a subject vascular system of at least about 5 ml/s. is also provided.
