Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion

摘要: Imaging modalities such as CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are powerful tools to detect assess focal injury hemorrhagic lesions edema brain swelling in severe injury. However, acute chronic at a cellular level is sometimes difficult discern from normal features by anatomical imaging. Magnetic spectroscopy (MRS) offers unique non-invasive approach microscopic levels quantifying metabolites. Most clinical MRI systems equipped with this option MRS thus widely available modality. For the particular, has been research tool also proven provide additional clinically relevant information for several disease families tumors, metabolic disorders, systemic diseases. The most widely-available method, proton (1H; hydrogen) spectroscopy, FDA approved general use can be ordered clinicians patient studies if indicated. findings obtained concussion more head trauma heterogeneous, reflecting different time after injury, degree of physiologic pathologic response individuals. important that elevated lactate (and lipids) apparently tissue observed 2–5 days indicators global hypoxic poor outcome. Also, N-acetylaspartate (NAA), marker “healthy” neurons axons, generally reduced traumatic signaling neuronal axonal loss/damage. extent NAA reduction an objective quantitative surrogate severity useful outcome prediction.