EARLY RESULTS OF IN-VIVO P-31-NMR SPECTRO SCOPY OF THE SPLEEN IN PATIENTS WITH SPLENOMEGALY

In-vivo P-31-NMR spectroscopy of the spleen was carried out in 15 pati ents with splenomegaly from various causes (Hodgkin's disease, non-Hod gkin lymphoma, polycythaemia vera, chronic lymphatic leukaemia, chroni c myeloid leukaemia). Volume selection was with the ISIS technique, vo xel size was between 3 x 5 x 5 and 8 x 6 x 7 cm3. There was a markedly elevated (PM + Pi)/beta-NTP quotient (mean 3.41 with a standard devia tion of 0.37) (p < 0.001) and raised PDE/beta/NTP quotient as compared with 8 normals, who showed an (PME + Pi)/beta-NTP quotient of 2.32 an d a PDE/beta/NTP quotient of 1.11. These raised quotients were interpr eted as indicating increased membrane phospolipid metabolism due to in crased cell turnover. The data suggest there may be some clinical valu e in performing P-31-NMR spectroscopy for defining splenic involvement in myeloproliferative diseases but further confirmatory studies will be necessary.