H-1-MR spectroscopy in anorexia nervosa. Reversible cerebral metabolic changes.

By using localized H-1-MR spectroscopy in the brain of patients with anorex ia nervosa we wanted to verify our preliminary results and to look for a re versibility of the metabolic changes under therapy. Methods: In 22 patients and 17 healthy volunteers (11 follow-up examinations) single voxel H-1-MR spectroscopy (TE = 50 ms, TM = 30 ms, TR = 1500 ms, voxel (2 cm)(3), acq.: 256) was used in two different localizations (thalamus and parieto-occipita l region). The first examination of the patients was performed before thera py, the follow-up examination at the end of therapy. Results: In both regio ns of the brain we found a statistically significant elevation of the Cho/C r-ratio in comparison to normal controls. The follow-up examinations reveal ed reversibility of the metabolic changes under successful therapy. Conclus ion:H-1-MR spectroscopy reveals metabolic changes in the brain of patients with anorexia nervosa, which are reversible under successful therapy. These metabolic changes can be conclusively explained using a biochemical model.