[Single-voxel proton spectroscopy using a press sequence with a 135 ms echotime: normal values]

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Spectroscopy

Context:

• Magnetic Resonance (MR) spectroscopy is clinically valuable and recognized in French medical act classifications (CCAM).
• Establishing normal control values is crucial for interpreting clinical MR spectroscopy data.
• Previous research protocols were required to obtain these essential control values.

Purpose:

• To present a comprehensive set of normal control values for key metabolite ratios (NAA/Cho, NAA/Cr, Cho/CR) derived from MR spectroscopy.
• To provide standardized data acquired using a PRESS sequence (TE 135 ms) at 1.5T across 12 distinct anatomical brain regions.
• To facilitate the clinical implementation of MR spectroscopy by offering readily accessible reference data.

Summary:

• Normal control values for three metabolite ratios (NAA/Cho, NAA/Cr, Cho/CR) were determined using MR spectroscopy (PRESS sequence, TE 135 ms, 1.5T).
• Data were acquired from 12 anatomical regions, including white matter, basal ganglia, cerebellum, brain stem, temporal lobes, and cortical areas.
• The study details metabolite ratios in parieto-occipital white matter, centrum semiovale, frontal white matter, thalamus, basal ganglia, cerebellum, brain stem, temporal lobes, and cortices.

Impact:

• Enables radiologists to implement clinical MR spectroscopy programs without extensive research protocols.
• Provides a standardized reference dataset for accurate interpretation of MR spectroscopy findings.
• Supports the integration of MR spectroscopy into routine clinical practice for neurological assessments.