PROTON MAGNETIC-RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY IN PEDIATRIC NEURORADIOLOGY

This review reports on recent developments in proton magnetic resonanc e spectroscopy (MRS) and its potential clinical application in pediatr ic neuroradiology. An overview of the essential principles of the meth odology including pulse sequences and their practical application is p rovided. Each of the major neurochemical compounds found in the pediat ric brain and its potential clinical significance is reviewed. Special consideration is given to issues of quantitation and maturational cha nges in neurochemistry which are unique to the developing brain. Examp les of potential clinical applications of proton MRS are given in a br ief case report format. Finally, the direction of likely future develo pments and the need for further investigation of proton MRS in pediatr ic populations is discussed. This review will provide the reader with a basic foundation for deciding when a proton MRS exam may be helpful for diagnosis and for the interpretation of proton MRS findings in the pediatric neuroradiology setting.