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MR-visible water content in human brain: a proton MRS study
P Christiansen1, P B Toft, P Gideon
1Danish Research Center of Magnetic Resonance, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
|January 1, 1994
Summary
This study estimated MR-visible water concentration in the human brain across age groups. Results indicate newborns have significantly higher water content, with less than 5% of tissue water being MR-invisible in adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Biophysics
Background:
- Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is crucial for evaluating brain diseases.
- The fully relaxed water signal is a proposed internal standard for MRS calibration.
- Assumptions about brain water concentration and MR-visibility limit current methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate MR-visible water concentration in the human brain across different age groups.
- To assess the validity of using water signal as an internal standard in MRS.
Main Methods:
- In vivo measurements of water concentration in healthy volunteers (newborns, adolescents, adults, elderly).
- Utilized a Siemens Helicon SP 63/84 MR-scanner at 1.5 T with STEAM sequences.
- In vitro phantom measurements for calibration.
Main Results:
- Water concentration was significantly higher in newborns (51.5 mol.[kg wet weight]-1) compared to other age groups (35.8-39.6 mol.[kg wet weight]-1).
- No significant differences in water concentration were observed among adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
- Less than 5% of total tissue water appears to be MR-invisible.
Conclusions:
- Newborns exhibit distinct brain water characteristics.
- The findings support the potential of using water signal as an internal standard for MRS calibration.
- A minimal fraction of brain water is not MR-visible, validating current MRS approaches.