ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN COLORECTAL BIOPSIES BY H-1 MRS - CORRELATION WITHHISTOPATHOLOGY

Samples (3 mm3) of histopathologically normal (n = 15) and carcinomato us tissue (n = 15) were obtained from colectomy specimens and examined by H-1 MRS. A combination of one- and two-dimensional spectra, obtain ed with appropriate acquisition and processing parameters, provide mul tiple diagnostic parameters allowing the distinction between normal an d carcinomatous tissue. The diagnostic parameters include resonances f rom choline, choline-based, and other metabolites, cell surface fucosy lation, and altered lipid profiles. Tissues histopathologically classi fied as normal, while remaining distinct from the malignant spectral p rofile, were found to fit into two categories, one of which had some o f the spectral characteristics of malignancy. These results indicate t hat H-1 MRS identifies abnormal colorectal mucosa, which is not morpho logically manifest. Such abnormalities have been reported previously t o exist in premalignant colorectal tissue by monoclonal antibody studi es. Collectively, these results suggest that a clinical study of color ectal biopsies by H-1 MRS could provide support for the use of MRS as an adjunct to current pathological procedures.