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Review
. 2015 Dec;5(4):320-8.
doi: 10.1016/j.jceh.2015.10.006. Epub 2015 Nov 12.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: Principles and Techniques: Lessons for Clinicians

Joshua M Tognarelli  1 , Mahvish Dawood  1 , Mohamed I F Shariff  1 , Vijay P B Grover  1 , Mary M E Crossey  1 , I Jane Cox  2 , Simon D Taylor-Robinson  1 , Mark J W McPhail  1
Affiliations
Review

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: Principles and Techniques: Lessons for Clinicians

Joshua M Tognarelli et al. J Clin Exp Hepatol. 2015 Dec.

Abstract

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides a non-invasive 'window' on biochemical processes within the body. Its use is no longer restricted to the field of research, with applications in clinical practice increasingly common. MRS can be conducted at high magnetic field strengths (typically 11-14 T) on body fluids, cell extracts and tissue samples, with new developments in whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowing clinical MRS at the end of a standard MRI examination, obtaining functional information in addition to anatomical information. We discuss the background physics the busy clinician needs to know before considering using the technique as an investigative tool. Some potential applications of hepatic and cerebral MRS in chronic liver disease are also discussed.

Keywords: CPMG, Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill sequence; CSI, chemical shift imaging; FID, free induction decay; K, Kelvin; KEGG, Kyoto Encyclopedia for Genes and Genomes; MR, magnetic resonance; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; MRS, magnetic resonance spectroscopy; MSEA, metabolite set enrichment analysis; NMR, nuclear magnetic resonance; NOESY, nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy; PC, principal components; PCA, principal components analysis; PLS-DA, partial least squared discriminant analysis; PRESS, point-resolved spectroscopy; STEAM, stimulated echo acquisition mode; T, Tesla; T1, spin-lattice relaxation; T2, spin-spin relaxation; TE, echo time; TMAO, trimethylamine N-oxide; TR, repetition time; magnetic resonance imaging; magnetic resonance spectroscopy; metabolomics; nuclear magnetic resonance.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Precession of protons aligned to a magnetic field (B0).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Energy levels depicted on a ½ I spin nuclei.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Fourier transformation from free induction decay to MR spectrum. Key: FID, free induction decay; FT, Fourier transformation.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Schematic diagram of a nuclear magnetic resonance system. Key: A, outer shell; B, liquid nitrogen; C, liquid helium; D, solenoid wire coil; E, shim coils; F, receiver and radiofrequency pulse coils; G, biofluid sample.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Multiple variables are generated from metabolic profiling studies.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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