Proton MR Spectroscopy in Patients with Leigh Syndrome

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate MRS findings in patients with Leigh syndrome. We report our results of HMR spectroscopic studies performed in six patients (aged four months to ten years) with clinically proved Leigh syndrome. All examinations were done with 1.5 T scanner using an eight-channel phased array head coil. HMRS data were obtained using 2D-chemical shift imaging (CSI) and SVS sequences with short (30 ms) and long (135 ms) echo time. The MR spectra were acquired in multiple voxel localized in deep gray matter and periventricular white matter. The results were compared to the control group data. In most of our patients we found bilateral lesions in the basal ganglia and brain stem. HMRS data revealed elevated lactate in the affected areas, significantly diminished NAA/Cr ratio. The relatively high Cho/Cr ratio in the gray and white matter was also noted. HMRS is an important tool for non-invasive brain tissue analysis in Leigh syndrome.