Longitudinal MR spectroscopic imaging of pediatric diffuse pontine tumors to assess tumor aggression and progression

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2006 Apr;27(4):806-9.

Abstract

Two pediatric patients with diffuse pontine tumors underwent MR spectroscopic imaging pre- and postradiation. Choline/creatine (Cho/Cr) and Cho/N-acetylaspartate (NAA) ratios were elevated before treatment, with no MR imaging contrast enhancement. These ratios were further elevated at 2 posttreatment follow-up studies, despite signs of excellent clinical improvement at initial follow-up. This study suggests that MR spectroscopic imaging is more specific in assessing the aggressiveness of diffuse pontine tumors than conventional MR imaging and can serve as a valuable tool in early prognostication.

MeSH terms

  • Brain Stem Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Child
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Male