Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
Norm of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
Qualitative and quantitative cellular biochemical data, such as steady-state cellular concentrations of metabolites, are visible with MRS.
Usage of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
Provide follow-up study and prognosis for clients with AIDS dementia and lesions, Alzheimer's disease, Canavan disease, cancer and tumors, diabetes mellitus, hepatic encephalopathy, intracranial mass, metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, renal failure, stroke, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); detect degeneration, inflammation, and necrosis in tissues; differentiation of high-grade from low-grade brain tumors; differentiation of recurrence of cerebral neoplasm from radiation therapy injury; monitor and evaluate therapeutic interventions in conjunction with MRI; evaluate biochemical basis for neuropsychiatric disorders and dementias. Future application may include detection of changes at the cellular level that precede morphologic changes detected with MRI or other radiologic imaging modalities.
Description of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a noninvasive vascular imaging technique. This procedure is performed by use of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner equipment and different software. Two types of MRS include the proton MRS and phosphorus-31 (31P) MRS. The MRS describes the molecular state of water—the chemical environment of cells and tissues—and the qualitative and quantitative states of intermediary metabolism. It can produce specific metabolite profiles in various pathologic conditions.
Professional Considerations of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
Consent form IS required.
Risks
See Risks, Magnetic resonance imaging.
Contraindications
See Contraindications, Magnetic resonance imaging.
Precautions
See Precautions, Magnetic resonance imaging.
Preparation
- See Preparation, Magnetic resonance imaging.
Procedure
- See Procedure, Magnetic resonance imaging.
- MRS always needs to be performed before contrast medium is added because a contrast medium may affect the expression of metabolites.
- To obtain the best image, the areas to be avoided in MRS include frontal and ethmoid sinuses, temporal bones, deep-in-posterior fossa, subcutaneous fat, and areas of high flow or hypervascular disorder.
Postprocedure Care
- See Postprocedure Care, Magnetic resonance imaging.
Client and Family Teaching
- See Client and Family Teaching, Magnetic resonance imaging.
Factors That Affect Results
- See Factors That Affect Results, Magnetic resonance imaging.
- Many factors influence the profile of the MR spectra, including magnetic-field uniformity and interclient variability, age, and developmental stage. Normal metabolite ratios change substantially during development, particularly from birth to 2 years of age. Quantification of metabolites is difficult as a result of the complexity of the spectra.
Other Data
- None.
