[Application of magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the study of brain disease]

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive technique used for the neurochemical study of the brain in vivo. The aim of this work is to review the main investigations that have focused on the study of cerebral pathology.

Cerebral MRS studies started in 1983 but the maximum development has been in the 90's. The pathologies more investigated were Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, and depression. Although several nuclei can be observed the most investigated are phosphor (P31) and hydrogen (H1). Nowadays proton MRS is the more frequently used technique. The low levels of N-acetyl-aspartate are a good indicator of neuronal loss. Their determination is complementary to the volumetric structural studies from magnetic resonance imaging. The peak of myo-inositol seems to be a neurochemical marker for the Alzheimer's disease.

MRS have contributed to the increase of knowledge about the physiopathology of normal aging, degenerative processes, demyelinating and psychiatric diseases. Potentially can contribute to differential diagnose in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Recently it has also been opened a new research potential in the field of the pharmacological treatment effects in discrete cerebral regions.