High-resolution MR spectroscopic imaging in patients with suspected brain tumor

MR spectroscopic imaging with high resolution (3D 1H MRSI) and absolute quantification of metabolites allows in vivo more accurate noninvasive determination and monitoring of metabolites concentrations in the brain. It could be used for improvement diagnosis and therapy of brain tumors in particular. The most important metabolites include choline, the concentration of which correlates with the grading of the glioma. Other important metabolites include N-acetylaspartate, creatine, myoinositol, lipids and lactate. 1H MRSI plays an important role, especially in distinguishing low grade glioma from high grade glioma. Differentiation of peripheral enhanced lesion like glioblastoma, metastasis from abscess. Differentiation of post radiation necrosis from tumor recurrence. Precise mapping of the tumor range preoperatively and locating the most appropriate place for tumor biopsy. (author)