Early detection of cerebral infarction by31P spectroscopic imaging

Summary Recent advances in magnetic resonance spectroscopy permit noninvasive study of brain metabolism in vivo,³¹P spectroscopic imaging being the method for evaluation of localized phosphorous metabolism. Experimentally, an ischemic-hypoxic brain insult is characterized by depletion of high energy metabolites. These changes are seen immediately after an ischemic insult. We had the opportunity of carrying out³¹P spectroscopic imaging of hyperacute cerebral infarction, while MRI and CT were negative. Cerebral infarction of the middle cerebral artery territory was suggested by³¹P spectroscopic imaging, which was closely consistent with a later-developing region of low density on CT. In cerebral infarction, early detection of the lesion is a useful pointer to the patient's prognosis, making³¹P spectroscopic imaging a potential tool.