  Radioisotope $^{52g}$Mn is of special interest for multimodal imaging. Using
state-of-art nuclear reaction codes, we study the alternative nuclear reaction
route $^{nat}$V($\alpha$,x)$^{52g}$Mn in comparison with the standard
production routes based upon the use of chromium targets. The integral yields
of $^{52g}$Mn and contaminants have been evaluated. The main outcome of this
investigation is that the production of the main contaminant isotope $^{54}$Mn
is expected to be lower than with $^{nat}$Cr. The study also reveals a large
spread in the cross-section data set and points out the need of more precise
measurements of the reaction $^{nat}$V($\alpha$,x)$^{52g}$Mn as well as the
need of a more accurate theoretical description.
