RANKING OF IN-VIVO (31)PHOSPHORUS SPECTRO SCOPY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF GENERALIZED MUSCLE DISORDERS - CLINICAL-RESULTS AND DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSTIC ASPECTS

Purpose: In a prospective study, characteristics and the diagnostic po tential of in vivo (31)phosphorus spectroscopy in cases of generalised muscle diseases were analysed. Method: 41 patients with myogenic and neurogenic muscle diseases and 11 healthy volunteers were examined usi ng MRI and in vivo-(31)phosphorus spectroscopy by means of a 50 mm dou ble-tuned surface coil. Results: The spectra showed significant change s of the metabolite ratios depending on the degree of the disease. Inf lammatory muscle diseases were characterised by increased PME and PDE peaks, which indicates that there is a higher conversion of the cell m embrane. The spectra of muscular dystrophy showed a slight increase of PDE and Pi. A strongly reduced PCr and an increased Pi peak were demo nstrated in cases of muscle atrophy depending on their degree of marke dness. The pH values were minimally increased in comparison to the vol unteers. In other muscle diseases, such as glycogenosis or myotonia, n o significant changes were detected. Conclusion: Standardised in vivo (31)phosphorus spectroscopy of generalised muscle diseases provides no ninvasive prognostic information on the type and behaviour of the dise ase and is complementary to clinical and histological findings.