Brain Tumors Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Brain Tumors, including details on symptoms, benign and malignant tumors, gliomas, screening, treatment.

The clinical value of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in adult brain tumours.

Sibtain NA, Howe FA, Saunders DE

Department of Radiology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK. naomisibtain@hotmail.com

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) non-invasively provides information on the biochemical profile (typically including up to nine metabolites and mobile lipids) of brain tissue, which varies according to the underlying disease process. A number of studies have assessed its accuracy in the diagnosis of adult brain tumours. This article describes the basic principles of 1H MRS, the metabolic profiles of different brain tumours, and practical points to aid interpretation of spectra. The literature is reviewed regarding the role of 1H MRS in the diagnosis of brain tumours and more specifically where it has proven to be of additional benefit over conventional magnetic resonance imaging.

Published 8 January 2007 in Clin Radiol, 62(2): 109-19.
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