Premium
Maturation of the human fetal brain as observed by 1 H MR spectroscopy
Author(s) -
Kok René D.,
van den Berg Paul P.,
van den Bergh Adrianus J.,
Nijland Roel,
Heerschap Arend
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
magnetic resonance in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.696
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1522-2594
pISSN - 0740-3194
DOI - 10.1002/mrm.10264
Subject(s) - nuclear magnetic resonance , fetus , spectroscopy , nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy , in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy , chemistry , nuclear medicine , physics , medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , pregnancy , biology , radiology , genetics , quantum mechanics
Proton MRS was used to monitor cerebral metabolite tissue levels in 35 normal fetuses during development in the gestational age range of 30–41 weeks. First, MRI in three orthogonal orientations was performed. A volume of interest (VOI) (15–43 cc) of fetal brain tissue was then selected for 1 H MRS. For localization, two pulse sequences (stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) at TE = 20 ms, and point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) at TE = 135 ms) were applied. The MR spectra of the brain showed signals for inositol (Ino), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), and N‐acetyl (NA) compounds. From 30 to 41 weeks the absolute tissue level of NA, and the ratios of NA/Cr and NA/Cho increased, whereas the ratio of Cho/Cr decreased. These changes reflect maturation of the brain. Considering the diagnostic value of proton MRS in pediatric neurology, this new approach may also be useful for characterizing pathological conditions in the fetal brain. Magn Reson Med 48:611–616, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.