Automated data processing of [1H-decoupled] 13C MR spectra acquired from human brain in vivo

J Magn Reson. 2003 Jun;162(2):259-68. doi: 10.1016/s1090-7807(03)00117-4.

Abstract

In clinical 13C infusion studies, broadband excitation of 200 ppm of the human brain yields 13C MR spectra with a time resolution of 2-5 min and generates up to 2000 metabolite peaks over 2h. We describe a fast, automated, observer-independent technique for processing [1H-decoupled] 13C spectra. Quantified 13C spectroscopic signals, before and after the administration of [1-13C]glucose and/or [1-13C]acetate in human subjects are determined. Stepwise improvements of data processing are illustrated by examples of normal and pathological results. Variation in analysis of individual 13C resonances ranged between 2 and 14%. Using this method it is possible to reliably identify subtle metabolic effects of brain disease including Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy.

MeSH terms

  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Electronic Data Processing
  • Epilepsy / metabolism
  • Glucose / administration & dosage
  • Glucose / metabolism*
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism
  • Glutamine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy* / methods
  • Mathematical Computing
  • Observer Variation

Substances

  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Glutamine
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Glucose