Molecular imaging using magnetic resonance spectroscopy in neurology: The past, the present, and the future

Abstract

A description of the principles of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), with emphasis on biomedical applications, is followed by a brief summary of the scientifi c landmarks leading to the development of this method. The main neurological applications up to now are presented: Cerebrovascular, white matter and neonatal disorders, epilepsy and oncology. The present state of MRS is represented by providing detail on recent developments such as multivoxel and high-fi eld MRS that facilitate the increasing use of MRS in the study of multiple sclerosis and pediatrics. Future perspectives include the increasing use of shorter echo times for detecting additional metabolites and the study of alternative nuclei, such as carbon-13, facilitated by the stronger signals at higher magnetic fi eld.