In vivo quantitative proton MRSI study of brain development from childhood to adolescence.

摘要: PURPOSE To quantify regional variations in metabolite levels the developing brain using quantitative proton MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen healthy subjects three to 19 years old were examined by vivo multislice MRSI. Concentrations of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), total choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), and peak area ratios determined selected frontal parietal gray white matter regions, basal ganglia, thalamus. RESULTS In cortical ratio NAA/Cho increased a maximum at 10 decreased thereafter (P = 0.010). contrast, matter, average linearly with age 0.045). individual age-related changes found putamen 0.044). No significant NAA, Cho, Cr, or other could be determined. CONCLUSION Consistent recent studies structural functional neuroimaging techniques, our data suggest that small but occur cerebral metabolism during childhood adolescence. Non-linear related areas, resembling previously reported rates glucose utilization volumes, may associated dendritic synaptic development regression. Linear are also agreement increases reflect progressive axonal diameter myelination.