Magnetic resonance spectroscopy: an overview of the method and its application in clinical neuroradiology

Abstract

Background. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a comparatively new diagnostic method. Brain tissue is very suitable for MRS analysis. In practice, only a small number of compounds present in the brain may be analysed by MRS. The utility of MRS in neuroradiology and clinical practice is constantly growing, since the investigation is of help in the differential diagnosis of pathological processes as well as in assessing the progress of a disease and evaluating the outcome of treatment. In analysing the data obtained, a number of factors that may influence the objectivity of the result must be taken into account. The magnetic resonance scanner located at the Institute of Radiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, utilises modern MRS protocols and has proved a valuable tool in the diagnostic evaluation of neurologic diseases.

Conclusions. MRS provides spectral analysis of substance in a selected volume of tissue, thereby offering an insight into the metabolic state of the tissue.