The Basic Technique of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and its Application in Diagnostic Practice

Abstract

 The use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in clinical diagnostics has been limited for a long time due to its low sensitivity. With the advent of clinical MR systems with high magnetic field strengths such as three Tesla, better development and optimized radiofrequency pulse design, sensitivity has improved significantly. Therefore, in vivo MRS has become an increasingly routinely used technique in the clinic. Along with the description of the main resonances present in brain MR spectra, several examples of deviations from the normal spectral pattern associated with inborn errors of metabolism are given. Second, through examples of MR spectra of brain tumors, it is illustrated that MRS can play an important role in oncology.