MRS methodology

There are several options in the MRS methods that require consideration before proceeding with the acquisition of the data. The decision to select a nucleus should be based solely on the metabolic information sought. For instance, if an investigator is interested in the effects of medication on the bioenergetic status of the brain, then 31P MRS is indicated. Similarly, selecting the TE for 1H MRS should be based on the metabolite sought. Resonances assigned to myo-In and Glx can only be detected at short TE. Selecting between single-voxel and spectroscopic imaging depends on the requirements of the study. For example, if spatial information is needed, then MRS data ought to be acquired via spectroscopic imaging. However, if the spatial resolution is not critical and interest is to compare a pathologic area with a contralateral VOI, then the acquisition of two single-voxel spectra may be preferred. MRS is widely used. All major vendors of MRI instruments provide some spectroscopic capabilities as a commercially available package with their equipment. Its application to epilepsy has been significant, to which the 40 plus research papers from more than a dozen centers around the world attest.