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NMR Spectroscopy and Pediatric Brain Tumors
Katherine E. Warren
Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda,
Maryland, USA. Correspondence: 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@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
© 2004 AlphaMed Press
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