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An MRspec database query and visualization engine with applications as a clinical diagnostic and research tool
Filip Miscevic1, Justin Foong2, Benjamin Schmitt3
1Centre for Computational Medicine, Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Molecular Genetics and Metabolism
|November 17, 2016
Summary
This study presents the largest proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRspec) database and a novel computational tool for analyzing neuro-metabolic profiles in pediatric patients. The developed application aids in discovering trends for clinical diagnosis and research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRspec) is crucial for in vivo neuro-metabolic assessment.
- Lack of standard population norms and computational tools complicates MRspec data interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the largest MRspec database for pediatric patients.
- To develop a computational tool for exploring neuro-metabolite datasets.
Main Methods:
- Collected 7035 scans from 4430 pediatric patients (2008-2014).
- Quantified 34 metabolites using LCModel across different scanner field strengths and echo times.
- Developed a web application (MySQL, Python, Flask) for data exploration.
Main Results:
- Identified age-related trends for N-acetylaspartate, choline, and creatine.
- Observed differences in total creatine between basal ganglia and white matter.
- Detected specific metabolite alterations in patients with certain neurological conditions.
Conclusions:
- Established a comprehensive MRspec database and a valuable computational tool.
- The tool aids in neurochemical trend discovery for diagnosis, monitoring, and research.
- Open access is expected to improve diagnostic yield and understanding of brain metabolic processes.
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