Proton MR spectroscopic imaging in multiple sclerosis.

We studied 24 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H-MRSI) to assess the neurochemical pathology of the white-matter lesions (WML) and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). Our 1H-MRSI technique allowed simultaneous measurement of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds (Cho), and creatine plus phosphocreatine (Cr) signal intensities from four 15-mm slices divided into 0.84 ml single-volume elements. In WML we found significantly lower NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho ratios and a significantly higher Cho/Cr ratio than in NAWM or control white matter. In NAWM, NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr were significantly lower than in control white matter. 1H-MRSI was compatible with damage to myelin in WML, and with axonal damage and/or dysfunction in WML and NAWM. These findings extend data on involvement of NAWM in MS beyond the abnormalities visible on MRI.