Proton MR spectroscopy of pediatric cerebellar tumors.

PURPOSETo investigate the role of proton MR spectroscopy in pediatric cerebellar tumor diagnosis.METHODSSingle voxel pulse sequences with long echo time (135 or 270 milliseconds, voxel size 8 to 19 cm3), were used to obtain proton spectra of primary pediatric cerebellar tumors. Eleven primitive neuroectodermal tumors (patient age, 2 to 12 years; mean, 7 years), 11 low-grade astrocytomas (age, 2 to 16 years; mean, 9 years), 4 ependymomas (age, 1 to 6 years; mean, 4 years), 1 mixed glioma ependymo-astrocytoma (age, 11 years), 1 anaplastic ependymoma (age, 7 years), 1 ganglioglioma (age, 14 years), and 1 malignant teratoma (age, 6 days) were studied. Control cerebellum spectra were acquired from five patients without abnormality in cerebellum (age, 2 to 15 years; mean, 8 years). The signal intensities from choline-containing compounds (Cho), creatine/phosphocreatine (Cr), N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), and lactate (Lac) were quantified. The mean and standard deviation of metabolite ratios were calculated.RESULTSThe control spectra ratios (NAA:Cho = 1.49 +/- 0.36, Cr:Cho = 1.13 +/- 0.23) were distinct from the tumor spectra (NAA:Cho = 0.41 +/- 0.27 and Cr:Cho = 0.37 +/- 0.23). Most of primitive neuroectodermal tumors had low NAA:Cho (0.17 +/- 0.09) and Cr:Cho (0.32 +/- 0.19). Compared with primitive neuroectodermal tumors, low-grade astrocytomas and ependymomas had higher NAA:Cho ratio (0.63 +/- 0.19 and 0.39 +/- 0.12). The Cr:Cho ratio was higher for ependymomas (0.60 +/- 0.20) than for astrocytomas (0.27 +/- 0.12) and primitive neuroectodermal tumors. No NAA was found in the malignant teratoma. Lac:Cho ratio was 0.66 +/- 0.40, 0.58 +/- 0.30, and 0.08 +/- 0.12 for astrocytoma, ependymoma, and primitive neuroectodermal tumor, respectively. Lactate was elevated in the mixed glioma ependymo-astrocytoma, ganglioglioma, and teratoma. The NAA and lactate signals were sometimes obscured by lipids in the spectra. Discriminant analysis was carried out using NAA:Cho and Cr:Cho ratios to differentiate the three major tumor types. The sensitivity/specificity values for diagnosing astrocytoma, ependymoma, and primitive neuroectodermal tumor were found to be 0.91/0.84, 0.75/0.92, and 0.82/0.89, respectively, based on this study.CONCLUSIONIn many cases, proton MR spectroscopy can be used to help differentiate cerebellar primitive neuroectodermal tumor, low-grade astrocytoma, and ependymoma.     

Role of magnetic resonance spectroscopy in differentiation between recurrence of glioma and post radiation injury

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the role of MR spectroscopy in the detection of recurrent glioma and differentiation from post radiation injury.

Patients and methods

32 patients (20 males and 12 females) complaining of different neurological symptoms were enrolled prospectively in this study between September 2011 and December 2013. These patients were selected on the basis that they were known patients with pathologically proved glioma who underwent radiotherapy. All patients underwent standard MRI examination and MR spectroscopy.

Results

This study included 32 patients, twenty four patients (75%) proved histologically to be of recurrent glioma (group I) and 8 cases (25%) diagnosed as post radiation injury (group II). Peri-tumoral infiltration was present in 18 cases (56.25%) of recurrent glioma. Significantly increased Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA ratios were observed in neoplastic (n = 24) compared with non-neoplastic lesions (n = 8). Presence of lactate and lipid yielded correct classification as neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a useful tool for the detection of recurrent glioma and differentiation from post radiation injury.     

Serial proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in lesions of Balò concentric sclerosis

OBJECTIVE: Balò concentric sclerosis is a rare demyelinating disorder. Serial proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic (1H-MRS) studies were carried out to better understand the biochemical changes within concentric lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five concentric lesions in four patients with Balò concentric sclerosis were chosen as the objects of serial observation. They included two early acute lesions (showing as concentric ring enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after gadolinium administration), two late acute lesions (showing as marginal enhancement on MRI), and one early subacute lesion (showing as edematous concentric lesions without enhancement on MRI). The duration of follow-up ranged from 2-23 months (mean 10 months). A total of 20 1H-MRS studies were performed. On each 1H-MRS study, short-echo (30 ms) and long-echo (136 ms) spectra were obtained. The peaks of N-acetyl-asparate (NAA), choline-containing compounds (Cho), creatine and phosphocreatine (Cr), lactate, and mobile lipid were observed and compared. RESULTS: Generally, a decrease of NAA/Cr ratio and an increase of Cho/Cr ratio were seen on all the spectra. Observing longitudinally, a trend of decreasing NAA/Cr ratio first and then partially recovering later was noted. The lowest level of NAA/Cr ratio was noted at the late acute stage or early subacute stage. The Cho/Cr ratio and amplitude of the lactate peak showed a similar trend as that of NAA/Cr, but in an opposite direction. It was rising first and descending later. The highest levels of Cho/Cr ratio and lactate peak were also observed at the late acute or early subacute stage. In addition, lactate peaks could be detected as long as 7 months after onset of symptoms. Lipid metabolite (two broad peaks at 0.9-1.5 ppm) was seen at the initial study of each group, but fluctuated in size on follow-up. CONCLUSION: The characteristic biochemical changes of concentric sclerosis were a decreased NAA/Cr ratio, an increased Cho/Cr ratio, two broad peaks at 0.9-1.5 ppm, lactate production, and a reversible NAA/Cr ratio on follow-up. The serial 1H-MRS studies revealed a strong biochemical association between NAA, Cho, and lactate, which may be caused by the same pathogenetic process of demyelination and inflammatory cellular infiltration. The specificity of the serial changes may provide information about the stage of the concentric lesion and perhaps aid in monitoring progression of concentric lesions and evaluating therapy.     

质子磁共振波谱对脑肿瘤的鉴别诊断价值

目的初步探讨氢质子磁共振波谱(1H-MRS)对不同脑肿瘤的诊断及鉴别诊断价值.材料和方法39例颅内肿瘤分别行常规MRI及1H-MRS检查,将肿瘤实质与对侧相应部位及正常对照组行对照研究.检查方法为PRESS序列,主要观察代谢物为氮-乙酰天门冬氨酸(NAA)、含胆碱的化合物(Cho)、肌酸(Cr/PCr)、乳酸(Lac)和脂类(Lipids).结果几乎所有肿瘤波谱均呈现NAA峰降低,Cho升高,Cho/Cr及Cho/NAA比值升高,与正常组织相比有显著性差异(p＜0.05).低度恶性胶质瘤组8例Cho/Cr、NAA/Cr、NAA/Cho代谢物比值分别为1.87±0.45、1.13±0.26、0.74±0.21;高度恶性胶质瘤组7例的代谢物比值的均值分别为2.75±1.17、1.07±0.31和0.62±0.28;脑膜瘤组11例,其代谢物比值的均值分别为6.04±2.15、0和0;转移瘤组10例,其代谢物比值的均值分别为2.32±1.08、1.22±0.17和1.23±0.46.胶质瘤组2例术后与术前比较Cho/Cr比值有明显降低.淋巴瘤1例放疗后较放疗前Cho/Cr比值降低;听神经鞘瘤1例见升高的Cho峰;蛛网膜囊肿1例仅见Lac峰.结论H1-MRS对脑肿瘤的诊断及鉴别诊断、治疗后随访、手术后疗效的评价均有重要价值,可作为一种非损伤性的辅助诊断手段.     

Evaluation of invasiveness of astrocytoma using <Superscript>1</Superscript>H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy: correlation with expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2

INTRODUCTION: Even low-grade astrocytomas infiltrate the entire brain, a feature that precludes their successful therapy. So to assess the invasive potential of astrocytoma is very important. The aim of this study was determine whether there is a significant correlation between the results of (1)H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) and tumor invasive potential of astrocytoma, which is reflected by expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). METHODS: The (1)H-MRS spectra of 41 histologically verified astrocytomas were obtained on a 3-T MR scanner. According to the World Health Organization classification criteria for central nervous system tumors, there were 16 low-grade astrocytomas (2 pilocytic astrocytomas, 14 grade II astrocytomas) and 25 high-grade astrocytomas (5 anaplastic astrocytomas, 20 glioblastomas).The choline/N-acetylaspartate (Cho/NAA) and choline/creatine (Cho/Cr) ratios were calculated. Of the 41 astrocytomas, 19 (8 low-grade and 11 high-grade) were analyzed immunohistochemically. Expression of MMP-2 was determined using streptavidin-peroxidase complex (SP) staining which was quantified by calculating its calibrated opacity density (COD) using an image analysis system. The correlations between metabolite ratios and the quantitative data from the immunohistochemical tests in the 19 astrocytomas were determined. RESULTS: The Cho/NAA and Cho/Cr ratios of high-grade astrocytoma were both significantly greater than those of low-grade astrocytoma (t = -6.222, P = 0.000; t = -6.533, P = 0.000, respectively). MMP-2 COD values of high-grade astrocytomas were also significantly greater than those of low-grade astrocytomas (t = -5.892, P = 0.000). There were strong positive correlations between Cho/NAA ratio and MMP-2 COD (r = 0.669, P = 0.002), and between Cho/Cr ratio and MMP-2 COD (r = 0.689, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: (1)H-MRS is helpful in evaluating the invasiveness of astrocytomas and predicting prognosis preoperatively by determining the Cho/NAA and Cho/Cr ratios.     

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of brain-stem lesions

The imaging findings of brain-stem lesions are often nonspecific and histological diagnosis is limited because of fear of complications associated with biopsy. A noninvasive method for tissue characterization is therefore highly desirable. We undertook a review of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of patients with solitary brain-stem lesions to determine if MRS could characterize them. We carried out single- or multivoxel proton MRS using long echo times (135 or 270 ms) on 34 patients with solitary brain-stem lesions. We analyzed the following peaks: choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), N-acetylaspartate (NAA), and lipids/lactate (Lip) and calculated peak height ratios for Cho/Cr, NAA/Cr and Lip/Cr. The results were compared with histology in nine patients and with the presumptive diagnosis in 25. We also performed single-voxel proton MRS on the brain stem of five normal volunteers. There were differences in all ratios between controls and the patients with neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions: Cho/Cr was low in non-neoplastic and high in neoplastic lesions (control: 1.8+/-0.1; non-neoplastic: 1.4+/-0.2; neoplastic: 2.0+/-0.2); NAA/Cr was low in non-neoplastic, and lower in neoplastic lesions (control: 2.3+/-0.1; non-neoplastic: 1.4+/-0.2; neoplastic: 1.2+/-0.1), and Lip/Cr was elevated in both neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions (control: 0.04+/-0.02; nonneoplastic: 1.9+/-0.7; neoplastic:1.9+/-0.7).     

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of brain tumors correlated with pathology

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Evaluate proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) for assessing and grading brain tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was done at Detroit Medical Center in a 1.5-T Siemens MR magnet using single-voxel or multivoxel MRS. This study consisted of 27 patients: 10 females and 17 males ages 22-83 years (average age 43.8). The data were recorded for three peaks-N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr)-which were used to calculate the ratios Cho/NAA and Cho/Cr. RESULTS: Abnormal spectra were seen in 25 patients and normal spectra in 2. In 16 patients with brain astrocytoma of various grades, the pathology grading was correlated with Cho/NAA and Cho/Cr. These values were 6.53 and 3.35 for nine patients with Grade 4 astrocytoma; 1.85 and 1.62 for three patients with Grade 3 astrocytoma; 2.21 and 1.50 for three patients with Grade 2 astrocytoma; and 1.45 and 1.49 for one patient with Grade 1 astrocytoma. The remaining nine patients with abnormal spectra were also correlated with pathology. CONCLUSION: MRS ratios can be used to differentiate malignant and nonmalignant lesions from normal brain tissue. In general, high-grade astrocytoma have higher Cho/NAA and Cho/Cr ratios compared with low-grade astrocytoma.     

Low-grade gliomas and focal cortical developmental malformations: differentiation with proton MR spectroscopy

PURPOSE: To assess proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy in differentiating between low-grade gliomas and focal cortical developmental malformations (FCDMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with seizures and a cortical brain lesion on MR images were studied with proton MR spectroscopy. A metabolite ratio analysis was performed, and the metabolite signals in the lesion core were compared with those in the contralateral centrum semiovale and in the corresponding brain sites in 18 control subjects to separately obtain the changes in N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds (Cho), and creatine-phosphocreatine (Cr). Ten patients had a low-grade glioma (three, oligodendrogliomas; three, oligoastrocytomas; three, astrocytomas; and one, pilocytic astrocytoma), and eight had FCDM (five, focal cortical dysplasias and three, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors). Linear discriminant analysis and Student t test were used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: Loss of NAA and increase of Cho were more pronounced in low-grade gliomas than in FCDMs (NAA, -72% +/- 15 [+/- SD] vs -29% +/- 22, P <.001; Cho, 117% +/- 56 vs 21% +/- 66, P <.01). Changes in NAA and Cho helped differentiate low-grade gliomas from FCDMs, and changes in Cho and Cr helped differentiate astrocytomas from oligodendrogliomas and oligoastrocytomas. Metabolite NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr ratios helped differentiate low-grade gliomas from FCDMs but did not differentiate glioma subtypes. CONCLUSION: MR spectroscopy allows distinction between low-grade gliomas and FCDMs and between low-grade glioma subtypes. Metabolite changes are more informative than are metabolite ratios.     

Assessment of malignancy in gliomas by 3T 1H MR spectroscopy

The purpose of this study was to assess clinical 1H MR spectroscopy (MRS) as a noninvasive method for evaluating brain tumor malignancy at 3T high-field system. Using 3T MRI/MRS system, localized water-suppressed single-voxel technique in patients with brain tumor (i.e., gliomas) was employed to evaluate spectra with peaks of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds (Cho), creatine/phosphocreatine (Cr) and lactate. On the basis of Cr, these peak areas were quantitated as a relative ratio. The variation of metabolite measurements of the designated region in 10 normal volunteers was less than 10%. Normal ranges of NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios were 1.67+/-018 and 1.16+/-0.15, respectively. NAA/Cr ratio of gliomas was significantly lower than that of the normal tissues (P= .005), but Cho/Cr ratio of gliomas was significantly higher (P= .001). Cho/Cr ratio of high-grade gliomas was significantly higher than that of low-grade gliomas. The present study demonstrated that the neuronal degradation or loss was observed in all gliomas. Higher-grade glioma was correlated with higher Cho/Cr ratio, indicating a significant dependence of Cho levels on malignancy of gliomas. Our results suggest that clinical 1H MR spectroscopy could be useful to predict tumor malignancy.     

多体素~1H-MRS对星形细胞肿瘤边界诊断的研究

目的：探讨多体素^1H-MRS在星形细胞瘤边界诊断中的临床应用价值。方法：对20例经病理证实的星形胶质细胞瘤患者行多体素^1H-MRS检查,采集NAA、Cho、Cr等波峰,计算并比较肿瘤不同区域多种代谢物比值。结果：多体素^1H-MRS示肿瘤区、近侧瘤周区NAA/Cho、NAA/Cr和Cho/Cr平均值与参照区比较差异均有显著性意义（P〈0.05）;高、低级星形细胞瘤间,多组代谢物比值差异具有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论：MRS示Ⅲ～Ⅳ级星形细胞瘤在肿瘤区边缘2cm范围代谢物比值仍和参照区差异有显著统计学意义,提示存在肿瘤浸润,Ⅰ～Ⅱ级星形细胞瘤在肿瘤区边缘1cm范围代谢物比值仍和参照区差异有显著统计学意义,提示存在肿瘤浸润。     

1 H-MRS对低级别和高级别脑胶质瘤鉴别诊断的作用及病理级别相关性的研究

目的 分析脑胶质瘤的氢质子磁共振波谱（proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy,^1H—MRS）表现及其临床意义;探讨脑胶质瘤的^1H—MRS特点与其病理级别相关性。资料与方法 搜集经临床手术、病理证实的脑胶质瘤36例,按照WHO诊断标准分成两组：低级别脑胶质瘤组、高级别脑胶质瘤组。所有患者在术前行^1H—MRS检查。均在MR非增强成像的基础上获得。使用Siemens Sonata 1．5T超导磁共振扫描仪,多体素扫描,点分辨表面线圈法,检测不同区域代谢物变化。结果 脑胶质瘤的^1H—MRS表现：肌酸（Cr）轻度下降,N-乙酰天门冬氨酸（NAA）显著下降。胆碱（Cho）显著增高。低级别、高级别脑胶质瘤的肿瘤组织分别和对侧正常脑组织的NAA／Cr、Cho／Cr、NAA／Cho比值存在非常显著性差异（P〈0．01）;低级别脑胶质瘤和高级别脑胶质瘤的肿瘤组织的NAA／Cr、Cho／Cr、NAA／Cho比值存在显著性差异（P〈0．05）。脑胶质瘤的NAA／Cho、Cho／Cr、NAA／Cr比值与病理级别相关,其中NAA／Cho和Cho／cr比值反映肿瘤级别较稳定;NAA／Cr、NAA／Cho比值存在负相关关系（相关系数rs分别为-0．663,-0．851）,Cho／Cr比值存在正相关关系（相关系数rs为0．858）。结论 ^1H—MRS与MRI相结合能提高脑胶质瘤术前诊断的准确性。^1H-MRS可评价脑胶质瘤的分级,反映脑胶质瘤代谢特性以及肿瘤生长潜能。     

软组织肿瘤的MR灌注成像与MR波谱成像的比较研究

目的 通过分析软组织肿瘤同一病例相同感兴趣区的MR灌注加权成像(MR-PWI)及MR氢质子波谱(1H-MRS)的功能影像信息,比较两者用于软组织肿瘤的定性诊断价值.方法 研究同时行MR-PWI、1H-MRS的全身各部位软组织肿瘤共40例.比较MR-PWI及1H-MRS各参数在良、恶性肿瘤中的差异,进而对2种诊断方法进行评价.所获数据采用t检验或配对四格表确切概率法分析.结果 MR-PWI良、恶性软组织肿瘤的血流量(BF)值差异有统计学意义(t=2.531,P<0.05),血容量(BV)及平均通过时间(MTT)值差异均无统计学意义(t值分别为1.587和1.732,P值均>0.05);以BF值=4.35 ml·100 mg-1·min-1为阈值,MR-PWI诊断恶性肿瘤的敏感度为81.8%(18/22),特异度为72.2%(13/18).良、恶性软组织肿瘤的时间信号曲线(TIC)类型比较:Ⅰ a型在良性肿瘤中占3/18,在恶性肿瘤中占17/22;Ⅰ b型在良性肿瘤中占12/18,在恶性肿瘤中占3/22;Ⅰ c型在恶性肿瘤中占2/22.Ⅱ型在良性肿瘤中占3/18.良、恶性软组织肿瘤的胆碱(Cho)、肌酸复合物(Cr)、脂质(Lip)值差异均无统计学意义(t值分别为1.332、1.637、1.986,P值均>0.05),而Cho/Cr比值的差异有统计学意义(t=2.927,P<0.05);以Cho/Cr比值=3.22为阈值,1H-MRS诊断恶性肿瘤的敏感度为86.4%(19/22),特异度为88.9%(16/18).1H-MRS谱线比较:18例良性及17例恶性软组织肿瘤在2.0～2.1ppm(×10-6)处均未出现异常峰,而2例恶性神经鞘瘤和3例恶性纤维组织细胞瘤均在2.0～2.1ppm处出现异常峰.MR-DWI与1H-MRS用于恶性肿瘤诊断准确度的差异无统计学意义(X2=0.125,P>0.05).结论 软组织肿瘤的MR-PWI的BF值、1H-MRS的Cho/Cr比值有利于软组织肿瘤良、恶性的鉴别;软组织肿瘤的TIC形态有助于肿瘤良、恶性的鉴别.MR-PWI和1H-MRS两者用于诊断恶性软组织肿瘤的准确度无明显差异,1H-MRS诊断恶性软组织肿瘤的敏感度和特异度较高.     

Salivary gland tumors at in vivo proton MR spectroscopy

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate whether proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy can be used to characterize salivary gland tumors (SGTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethics committee approval and informed consent were obtained. Hydrogen 1 ((1)H) MR spectroscopy was performed with echo times of 136 and 272 msec at 1.5 T in both SGTs and normal parotid glands. Spectra were analyzed in the time domain by using prior knowledge in the fitting procedure to obtain peak amplitudes of choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), and unsuppressed water. Mean Cho/Cr and Cho/water ratios for each subgroup of SGTs were obtained, and results were compared by using a nonparametric t test. RESULTS: Successful spectra were acquired in 56 patients (35 men, 21 women; mean age, 56 years) with a total of nine malignant tumors and 47 benign SGTs (24 Warthin tumors, 22 pleomorphic adenomas, one oncocytoma). At an echo time of 136 msec, Cho/Cr ratios were obtained in 26 (47%) of 55 spectra, with a mean value (+/- standard deviation) of 1.73 +/- 0.47, 5.49 +/- 1.86, 3.46 +/- 0.84, and 2.45 for malignant tumors, Warthin tumors, pleomorphic adenomas, and oncocytoma, respectively. Differences were significant between Warthin tumors and pleomorphic adenomas (P = .028) and between benign SGTs and malignant tumors (P < .001). At an echo time of 272 msec, Cho/Cr ratios were obtained in 16 (30%) of 53 spectra, with a mean value of 2.27 +/- 0.69, 6.92 +/- 1.47, and 3.67 +/- 1.23 for malignant tumors, Warthin tumors, and pleomorphic adenomas, respectively. Differences were also significant between Warthin tumors and pleomorphic adenomas (P = .041) and benign SGTs and malignant tumors (P = .004). There was a significant difference in mean Cho/water ratio for Warthin tumors versus pleomorphic adenomas at echo times of 136 msec (P = .003) and 272 msec (P = .002) but not for benign SGTs versus malignant tumors. CONCLUSION: (1)H MR spectroscopy may be used to characterize SGTs, but a larger study is required to validate these initial results.     

Single-voxel long TE 1H-MR spectroscopy of the normal brainstem and cerebellum

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of single voxel 1H-MRS of the CNS structures contained in the posterior cranial fossa and to determine the distribution of the normal metabolite ratios, concentrations, and T2 relaxation times in the midbrain, pons, medulla, dentate nucleus and cerebellar vermis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 147 single voxel 1H-MR spectra with a point-resolved proton spectroscopy sequence (PRESS) sequence and echo time (TE) of 136 or 272 msec were obtained in the midbrain, pons, medulla, dentate, and vermis of 31 healthy volunteers. In seven additional patients; the concentrations and T2 relaxation times of metabolites were obtained in the same locations (except the medulla) with an external phantom calibration method and a four TE PRESS technique. RESULTS: Ten (27%) of 36 spectra acquired in the medulla were of poor quality. A similar ranking of the N-acetyl aspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) ratio and choline(Cho)/Cr ratios in the five locations for the two TEs was observed, with the highest values in the pons (mean NAA/Cr = 4.16 +/- 0.6 and Cho/Cr =2.66 +/- 0.6 at TE 272) and the lowest values in the dentate and vermis (mean NAA/Cr = 1.66 +/- 0.2 and Cho/Cr = 1.20 +/- 0.2 at TE 272). The analysis of variance showed significant regional differences of the NAA and Cr concentrations, which had the highest values in the dentate. Non-significant regional differences were observed for the concentration of Cho and for the T2 of the metabolites. CONCLUSION: With the exception of the medulla, single voxel 1H-MRS enables an in vivo biochemical analysis of the CNS structures contained in the posterior cranial fossa. Regional differences in the metabolite ratios and concentrations must be considered when employing 1H-MRS for evaluation of diseases of the brainstem and cerebellum.     

Proton spectroscopic metabolite signal relaxation times in preterm infants: a prerequisite for quantitative spectroscopy in infant brain

PURPOSE: To determine relaxation times of metabolite signals in proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectra of immature brain, which allow a correction of relaxation that is necessary for a quantitative evaluation of spectra acquired with long TE. Proton MR spectra acquired with long TE allow a better definition of metabolites as N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and lactate especially in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relaxation times were determined in the basal ganglia of 84 prematurely born infants at a postconceptional age of 37.8 +/- 2.2 (mean +/- SD) weeks. Metabolite resonances were investigated using the double-spin-echo volume selection method (PRESS) at 1.5 T. T1 was determined from intensity ratios of signals obtained with TRs of 1884 and 6000 msec, measured at 3 TEs (25 msec, 136 msec, 272 msec). T2 was determined from signal intensity ratios obtained with TEs of 136 msec and 272 msec, measured at 2 TR. Taking only long TEs reduced baseline distortions by macromolecules and lipids. For myo-inositol (MI), an apparent T2 for short TE was determined from the ratio of signals obtained with TE = 25 msec and 136 msec. Intensities were determined by fitting a Lorentzian to the resonance, and by integration. RESULTS: Relaxation times were as follows: trimethylamine-containing compounds (Cho): T1 = 1217 msec/T2 = 273 msec; total creatine (Cr) at 3.9 ppm: 1010 msec/111 msec; Cr at 3.0 ppm: 1388 msec/224 msec; NAA: 1171 msec/499 msec; Lac: 1820 msec/1022 msec; MI: 1336 msec/173 msec; apparent T2 at short TE: 68 msec. CONCLUSION: T1 and T2 in the basal ganglia of premature infants do not differ much from previously published data from basal ganglia of older children and adults. T2 of Cho was lower than previous values. T2 of Cr at 3.9 ppm and Lac have been measured under different conditions before, and present values differ from these data.     

MRI测量颞叶癫痫患者海马体积与波谱分析

目的探讨利用磁共振图像判断海马萎缩在颞叶癫痫的意义,揭示颞叶癫痫病灶的质子磁共振波谱的变化特征。材料与方法对7例不同病程癫痫患者进行三维快速扰相位梯度回波序列(3D-FSPGR)和PRESS序列波谱采样,测量双侧海马的体积和海马区域的NAA／Cr、Cho／Cr比值,在同一患者左右侧进行对比。结果早期颞叶癫痫患者海马萎缩、NAA／Cr下降均不明显,Cho／Cr较对侧升高;发展到海马硬化阶段可以有海马萎缩、NAA／Cr下降和Cho／Cr升高;静息状态的癫痫患者有海马萎缩和NAA／Cr下降,但是Cho／Cr无升高表现。结论利用磁共振图像可以准确反映颞叶癫痫患者海马体积的变化;1H-MRS可以反映癫痫患者海马区域的代谢变化,为癫痫的定位提供信息。     

脑胶质瘤周围区的~1H-MRS研究

目的应用多体素氢质子磁共振波谱(1H-MRS)探讨胶质瘤周围区脑代谢改变的特点,评价多体素1H-MRS在胶质瘤周围区的应用价值。方法23例病理证实的脑胶质瘤病人分为低级别组(WHOⅠ～Ⅱ级)13例和高级别组(WHOⅢ～Ⅳ级)10例,所有病例术前均行多体素1H-MRS检查,测量肿瘤实质区、周围区及对侧正常脑组织区代谢产物的相对定量,进行统计学比较。结果多体素1H-MRS显示高级别胶质瘤的周围区与实质区NAA/Cr、Cho/Cr、NAA/Cho值差异有统计学意义(P值均为0.00)。高级别胶质瘤周围区与对侧正常脑组织区NAA/Cr、Cho/Cr、NAA/Cho、Glx/Cr值差异均有统计学意义(P值均为0.00);低级别胶质瘤周围区与实质区NAA/Cr、Cho/Cr、NAA/Cho值差异均有统计学意义(P值均为0.00);低级别胶质瘤周围区与对侧正常脑组织区Cho/Cr、NAA/Cho值差异均有统计学意义(P值分别为0.02、0.00);高级别与低级别胶质瘤实质区NAA/Cr、NAA/Cho、Cho/Cr、Glx/Cr值差异均有统计学意义(P值分别为0.00、0.00、0.03、0.00);高级别与低级别胶质瘤周...     

MR spectroscopy in gliomatosis cerebri

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The diagnosis of gliomatosis cerebri with MR imaging is known to be difficult. We report on the value of MR spectroscopy in the diagnosis, grading, and biopsy planing in eight patients with histopathologically proved gliomatosis cerebri. METHODS: Patients underwent MR imaging and MR spectroscopy (single-voxel point-resolved spectroscopy [PRESS] at 1500/135, and chemical-shift imaging [CSI] PRESS at 1500/135) before open (n = 4) or stereotactic (n = 4) biopsy. In six patients who underwent CSI, biopsy samples were taken from regions of maximally elevated levels of choline/N-acetylaspartate (Cho/NAA). RESULTS: All patients showed elevated Cho/creatine (Cr) and Cho/NAA levels as well as varying degrees of decreased NAA/Cr ratios, which were most pronounced in the anaplastic lesions. In low-grade lesions, there was a maximum Cho/NAA ratio of 1.3, whereas in anaplastic tumors, the maximum Cho/NAA level was at least 2.5. Spectra in two patients with grade III lesions revealed a lactate peak; lactate and lipid signals were seen in two patients with grade IV lesions. Biopsy specimens from regions with maximally elevated levels of Cho/NAA showed dense infiltration of tumor cells. CONCLUSION: MR spectroscopy might be used to classify gliomatosis cerebri as a stable or a progressive disease indicating its potential therapeutic relevance.     

~1H-MRS在脑胶质瘤诊断及分级中的应用

目的:分析脑胶质瘤的氢质子磁共振波谱(proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy,1H-MRS)表现及其临床意义;探讨脑胶质瘤的1H-MRS特点与其病理级别相关性。方法:搜集经临床手术、病理证实的脑胶质瘤38例,按照WHO分级(2000)标准分成两组:低级别脑胶质瘤组、高级别脑胶质瘤组。所有患者在术前行1H-MRS检查,均在MR非增强成像的基础上获得。使用GE Signa1.5T超导磁共振扫描仪,多体素扫描,点分辨选择波谱法,检测不同区域代谢物变化。结果:脑胶质瘤的1H-MRS表现:肌酸(Cr)无明显变化;N-乙酰天门冬氨酸(NAA)下降,胆碱(Cho)增高,变化的程度由肿瘤级别高低决定;低级别、高级别脑胶质瘤的肿瘤组织分别和对侧正常脑组织的NAA/Cr、Cho/Cr、NAA/Cho比值存在显著性差异(P<0.01);低级别脑胶质瘤和高级别脑胶质瘤的肿瘤组织的NAA/Cr、Cho/Cr、NAA/Cho比值有统计学意义(P<0.05),脑胶质瘤的NAA/Cho、Cho/Cr、NAA/Cr比值与病理级别相关。结论:1H-MRS与MRI相结合能提高脑胶质瘤术前诊断的准确性。1H-MRS可评价脑胶质瘤的分级,反映脑胶质瘤代谢特性以及肿瘤生长潜能。     

MRS对胼胝体病变的鉴别诊断价值

目的 探讨多体素氢质子磁共振波谱(1H-MRS)对胼胝体病变的鉴别诊断价值.方法 选取17例经临床或病理证实的胼胝体病变患者,其中胼胝体淋巴瘤2例、胼胝体变性4例、胼胝体胶质瘤3例、胼胝体梗死7例、胼胝体多发性硬化1例,研究其病灶MRS特点.结果 2例胼胝体淋巴瘤病灶胆碱(Cho)峰明显升高,肌酸(Cr)及N-乙酰天门冬氨酸(NAA)峰明显降低,并出现高耸的脂质(Lip)峰;4例胼胝体变性患者中2例示Cho/Cr升高,NAA/Cr下降,1例示正常,1例探测到倒置的乳酸(Lac)峰;3例胼胝体胶质瘤病灶NAA峰下降或消失、Cho峰不同程度升高;7例胼胝体梗死均出现明显倒置的Lac峰,NAA不同程度下降;1例多发性硬化患者活动期病灶强化且Cho峰升高,NAA峰降低,并出现倒置的Lac峰,非活动期病灶不强化且MRS基本恢复正常.结论 多体素1H-MRS对胼胝体病变的鉴别诊断有重要的临床应用价值.