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NMR Spectroscopy and Pediatric Brain Tumors

Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Katherine E. Warren, M.D., National Cancer Institute, Neuro-Oncology Branch, Bloch Building 82, Room 224, 9030 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-8200, USA. Telephone: 301-402-6298; Fax: 301-480-2246; e-mail: warrenk{at}mail.nih.gov

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMRS) is a noninvasive in vivo technique that utilizes conventional MR imaging hardware to obtain biochemical information from a discrete volume of tissue after suppression of the water signal. MR spectroscopy coupled with conventional MR imaging allows correlation of structural changes with biochemical processes in tissues by measuring specific metabolites present in brain tissue. NMRS is commonly used in the evaluation of patients with brain tumors. This article reviews the basic principles of spectroscopy and its use in evaluating pediatric patients with brain tumors.

Key Words. Brain • Imaging • Tumor • Spectroscopy • Pediatric • Metabolic activity