In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy: basic methodology and clinical applications

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Clinical in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was historically limited by low sensitivity.
• Advancements in MR systems (e.g., 3 Tesla), coil technology, and radio-frequency pulses have significantly improved sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental methodology of in vivo MRS, focusing on (1)H MRS of the brain.
• To highlight clinical applications of in vivo brain MRS in metabolic disorders and oncology.

Main Methods:

• Description of hardware requirements, patient safety considerations, and acquisition techniques for in vivo MRS.
• Explanation of data post-processing and quantification strategies.
• Focus on (1)H MRS spectral analysis for brain applications.

Main Results:

• Improved sensitivity enables routine clinical use of in vivo MRS.
• Deviations from normal brain MR spectra are associated with inborn errors of metabolism.
• MR spectra of brain tumors demonstrate the utility of MRS in oncology.

Conclusions:

• In vivo MRS is increasingly adopted in clinical practice due to enhanced sensitivity.
• MRS is valuable for diagnosing metabolic disorders by identifying spectral pattern deviations.
• MRS plays a significant role in the oncological assessment of brain tumors.