Exhibit 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

  As independent public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the incorporation by
  reference  in this  registration  statement  of our  report  dated May 6, 1997
  included in  Molecular  Biosystems,  Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended March
  31,  1997 and to all  references  to our Firm  included  in this  registration
  statement.


                                                             Arthur Andersen LLP


  San Diego, California
  September 12, 1997