Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy: normal findings in the cerebellar hemisphere in childhood.
BACKGROUND
The cerebellar hemispheres (CER) are different from the supratentorial white and gray matter embryologically, in cytoarchitecture, and probably in metabolic activity. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) can provide a noninvasive biochemical analysis of this region.


OBJECTIVE
To study, with (1)H MRS, metabolite concentrations in CER as a function of age and compare these metabolic data with those of parietoccipital white matter (PO WM) in healthy children.


METHODS
Using single-voxel (1)H MRS, we studied 37 volunteers (3-18 years) with normal MRI scans of the brain. (1)H MRS was performed using the PRESS technique in CER and PO WM. The NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, NAA/H(2)O, Cr/H(2)O, and Cho/H(2)O ratios were analyzed as a function of age. Metabolic data from these regions were compared.


RESULTS
The NAA/Cr ratio tended to increase with age in CER. Mean NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios were found to be lower in CER than in PO WM. Mean NAA/H(2)O, Cr/H(2)O, and Cho/H(2)O ratios in CER were higher than in the PO WM.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data confirm the regional variations between CER and PO WM metabolite ratios, and demonstrate a tendency of age-dependent change of the NAA/Cr ratio in CER. The creatine concentration was significantly higher in the cerebellum than in the PO WM.
Costa
Maria Olívia R
MO
School of Medicine of University of São Paulo, Department of Radiology, Alameda Sarutaiá, 136/43, Jardim Paulista, São Paulo, SP 011403-010, Brazil. mcosta@usp.br
Lacerda
Maria Teresa C
MT
Garcia Otaduy
Maria C
MC
Cerri
Giovanni Guido
GG
Da Costa Leite
Claudia
C
D000293:Adolescent; D001224:Aspartic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002794:Choline / Q000378:metabolism; D003404:Creatinine / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011522:Protons; D012016:Reference Values
D011522:Protons; D001224:Aspartic Acid; C000179:N-acetylaspartate; D003404:Creatinine; D002794:Choline