In vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in hydatidosis of the central nervous system

Abstract

This chapter briefly covers the basic aspects of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) including normal metabolites in 1 H MRS of brain and the usual techniques. Several metabolites, including pyruvate, succinate, acetate, alanine, lactate and others such as amino acids are described, and their role is discussed in relation to hydatid disease. In particular, pyruvate and succinate are considered as very important metabolites in the diagnosis of hydatid disease. The differentiation of hydatid with neurocysticercosis can be difficult purely on spectroscopy. The relative importance of metabolites in differentiation from other cystic conditions including some of the other parasitic diseases and pyogenic abscess is also discussed.