In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy in HIV and HIV-related brain diseases

Abstract

Central nervous system involvement is common in the later stages of HIV infection. The pathophysiology for the development of cognitive impairment in HIV infection is still unclear. Magnetic resonance imaging shows brain atrophy and non-specific white matter abnormalities in some of the patients with HIV dementia. In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides a biochemical profile of the brain and shows promise for furthering the understanding of the pathophysiology associated with HIV-related dementia. Moreover, MRS is a practical and non-invasive method which can help to differentiate the focal lesions of the most frequent opportunistic infections in AIDS.