Proton MR Spectroscopy : Data Acquisition and Processing

Abstract

 Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is widely used to detect alterations in cerebral metabolite levels in various neurological disorders. Data acquisitions with a short echo-time (TE) are recommended. Subsequently, provided that time permits, it is also recommended to apply long TE with shimming/adjustment of radiofrequency pulses and careful setting of voxels of interest. In those cases where contrast agents are administered, it is preferable to perform short-TE acquisitions using non-ionic media. Advanced systems with higher static magnetic field enable the detection of low-concentration metabolites, particularly when using short TE. MRS data acquisition and processing can be performed semi-automatically; however, sufficient knowledge and skills are needed to obtain high quality spectra.