Purpose: Thirteen male volunteers were studied to evaluate the MR imag
ing properties and pharmacokinetics of 10 mM mangafodipir trisodium in
fusion (MnDPDP, Teslascan). Material and Methods: Doses of 5 and 10 mu
mol/kg b.w. were administered by bolus injection (<1 min) to 5 subjec
ts, and by infusion (20 min) to 8 subjects, with a 3-week wash-out bet
ween doses. Infusion subjects underwent MR imaging. Results: At 1 h af
ter infusion, the plasma concentration of Mn was reduced to similar to
15% of the maximum value. Fifteen to 20% of Mn was recovered in the u
rine, and 50-60% was recovered in the faeces. The rapid initial plasma
clearance of Mn is consistent with both rapid tissue uptake and rapid
renal elimination. Increases in signal intensity were apparent on T1-
weighted images of the liver, pancreas, spleen, renal cortex and the r
enal medulla, but not in regions of the brain protected by an intact b
lood-brain barrier. Increases were seen in the choroid plexus and pitu
itary. Contrast-related adverse events, only flushing of moderate inte
nsity, occurred in bolus injection subjects. Conclusion: At 5 and 10 m
u mol/kg, mangafodipir produces relatively long-lasting enhancement of
several abdominal organs, including the liver, pancreas and kidney.