Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Abstract Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) has been used in a number of applications for the diagnosis and management of patients with glioma. The water proton signal is suppressed to allow resolution of spectral signals for other molecules biochemically related to the biology of the tumor. Metabolites are identifiable by their resonance frequencies and typically include choline, creatine, N-acetylaspartate, lipid, and lactate. MRS images (also called chemical shift imaging) can be generated by integrating the signals beneath these metabolite peaks. Here we review the clinical applications and limitations of this technology, including tissue identification and neoplastic distinction, neoplasm grading, prognosis assessment, radiation planning, chemotherapy treatment response, drug delivery, and areas of developing clinical interest utilizing 1H MRS as well as MRS of other spectra.