Prenatal Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of the Brain

Abstract

The article demonstrates the first Russian experience of prenatal proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1Н MRS) of the brain. The results of the study are analyzed, the metabolic changes during the gestation period is evaluated. Neuroimaging methods of assessing brain metabolism may play a role in the diagnosis and prognosis of some perinatal neurological disorders, that is why the information about normal cerebral metabolic processes is extremely important. Prenatal 1Н MRS of the brain is an informative, non invasive diagnostic method that is performed complementary to MRI and provides unique information about the cerebral biochemical composition. Brain metabolic changes may precede structural, e.g. the appearance of changes in the spectrograms may outgo the changes in traditional MRI, therefore, the method may be useful in the early detection of a pathology. Early detection of abnormal metabolic brain processes may be helpful in identifying future potential therapeutic strategies.