Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40863088›Full record

ReviewClinics and practice2025

Manganese-Based Contrast Agents as Alternatives to Gadolinium: A Comprehensive Review.

Linda Poggiarelli, Caterina Bernetti, Luca Pugliese, Federico Greco, Bruno Beomonte Zobel, Carlo A Mallio

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Clinics and practice, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
7citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

7 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Review
  3. Review
  4. Review
  5. Article
  6. Article
  7. Hybrid FeInternational journal of molecular sciences · 2026
    Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Linda PoggiarelliSchool of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Alvaro Del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy.
Caterina BernettiSchool of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Alvaro Del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy.
Luca PuglieseRadiology Unit, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant' Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy.
Federico GrecoResearch Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-9477-0238
Bruno Beomonte ZobelSchool of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Alvaro Del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy.
Carlo A MallioSchool of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Alvaro Del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-0149-0801

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

objectivesMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful, non-invasive diagnostic tool capable of capturing detailed anatomical and physiological information. MRI contrast agents enhance image contrast but, especially linear gadolinium-based compounds, have been associated with safety concerns. This has prompted interest in alternative contrast agents. Manganese-based contrast agents offer a promising substitute, owing to manganese's favorable magnetic properties, natural biological role, and strong T1 relaxivity. This review aims to critically assess the structure, mechanisms, applications, and challenges of manganese-based contrast agents in MRI.

methodsThis review synthesizes findings from preclinical and clinical studies involving various types of manganese-based contrast agents, including small-molecule chelates, nanoparticles, theranostic platforms, responsive agents, and controlled-release systems. Special attention is given to pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and safety evaluations.

resultsMn-based agents demonstrate promising imaging capabilities, with some achieving relaxivity values comparable to gadolinium compounds. Targeted uptake mechanisms, such as hepatocyte-specific transport via organic anion-transporting polypeptides, allow for enhanced tissue contrast. However, concerns remain regarding the in vivo release of free Mn

conclusionsManganese-based contrast agents present a potential alternative to gadolinium-based MRI agents pending further validation. Despite promising imaging performance and biocompatibility, further investigation into stability and safety is essential. Additional research is needed to facilitate the clinical translation of these agents.

Indexed as

contrast agentsmanganeseMRIrelaxivity

Identifiers

PMID40863088
PMCPMC12384406

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.