[Contribution of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to the diagnosis of Balo's concentric sclerosis].
BACKGROUND
Balo's concentric sclerosis is a neuropathological type of multiple sclerosis characterized by alternating rings of spared myelin and demyelination. Diagnosis is based on MRI, but very few data are available concerning the lesion features using serial proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS).


METHODS
We report 1H-MRS initial findings and disease course in one case of Balo's concentric sclerosis.


RESULTS
The first 1H-MRS study of 2 concentric ring-enhanced lesions showed a decreased N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) peak, an increased choline peak, 2 broad lactate peaks and the presence of a lipid peak at 0.9 ppm. Six months later, 1H-MRS showed a decrease of choline peak, whereas the lactate peak had disappeared. The NAA peak was still at a low level.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings are similar to those reported in demyelinating disorders, such as multiple sclerosis. Thus, in Balo's concentric sclerosis, 1H-MRS may provide neurochemical arguments for inflammation and demyelination, and indicate the severity of axonal damage and recovery.
Bruneteau
G
G
Service de Neurologie 1, Hôpital de la Salpêtrière, Paris. gaelle.bruneteau@psl.ap-hop-paris.fr
Guillevin
R
R
Tourbah
A
A
Papeix
C
C
Chiras
J
J
Pierrot-Deseilligny
C
C
D000328:Adult; D002549:Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008297:Male