Advanced magnetic resonance spectroscopic neuroimaging: Experts' consensus recommendations

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Metabolic Imaging
• Biomedical Spectroscopy

Background:

• Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) holds promise for monitoring metabolic changes in disease and injury.
• Current clinical MRSI methods have seen minimal advancement over two decades, limiting their impact.
• MRSI is predominantly used in research settings, with limited clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of clinical proton MRSI for the human brain.
• To recommend standards for developing vendor-provided MRSI implementations.
• To identify areas requiring further technical development in MRSI.

Main Methods:

• Expert consensus review of state-of-the-art clinical proton MRSI.
• Analysis of technological developments benefiting MRSI research and clinical potential.
• Evaluation of clinical areas where advanced MRSI can provide valuable data.

Main Results:

• Technological progress is enhancing MRSI quality and moving it towards a true imaging modality.
• Advanced MRSI methods offer significant potential for clinical care in specific areas.
• Consensus identifies needs for standardized development and further technical innovation.

Conclusions:

• Clinical proton MRSI of the brain is poised for advancement through technological innovation and standardization.
• Bridging the gap between research and clinical practice requires updated MRSI methods and vendor support.
• Further development is essential to realize the full clinical potential of MRSI for metabolic monitoring.