Fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance images of rabbit hearts have been obtained with the administration of a fluorinated contrast compound. The use of fluorine-labeled compounds allows differences in tissue perfusion to be demonstrated between hearts with and without coronary artery ligation. In postischemic reperfusion studies, regional hypoperfusion is also demonstrated by 19F imaging. The results of in vivo rabbit studies show that 19F NMR can be used to monitor the rate of blood pool and extravascular space dilution of a single bolus injection of either a water soluble or emulsified fluorine-labeled agent.