Abstract：Objective: To discuss post-contrast multivoxel 1H-MRS can be used to differentiate high grade gliomas and solitary metastases on the basis of the differences in metabolite levels in enhancing region and peritumoral region. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven patients with brain tumor[12 high-grade gliomas(WHO III~IV) and 15 solitary metastases] was performed with conventional MRI and post-contrast multivoxel 1H-MRS. Ten age-matched healthy volunteers underwent post-contrast 1H-MRS for comparison. The Cho/Cr, NAA/Cho, NAA/Cr-n value of enhancing region and peritumoral region were compared respectively between gliomas and metastases. The results were analyzed statistically. Results: All the enhancing regions of the two kinds of tumor were characterized by reduced NAA/Cho, NAA/Cr-n and increased Cho/Cr, which had no significant difference(P>0.05) except NAA/Cho(P<0.05). The Cho/Cr in peritumoral region of the gliomas and metastases was 1.642±0.24 and 0.862±0.41 respectively; the NAA/Cho was 0.462±0.32 and 2.512±1.58 respectively; the NAA/Cr-n was 0.436±0.22 and 0.725±0.27 respectively. All ratios had significant difference(P<0.01). Conclusion: Combining with conventional MRI scan, post-contrast multivoxel 1H-MRS can improve the differential diagnostic ability between high grade gliomas and solitary metastases.
2008, Vol. 19 
