In vivo phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy in multiple sclerosis.

Localized phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 1.5 T was performed in 39 patients with multiple sclerosis and in 15 healthy controls. The multiple sclerosis spectra showed increased creatine phosphate levels. This increase was correlated with the severity of the handicap and was greater in patients with a progressive course of the disease than in patients with relapsing-remitting disease. No clear abnormalities were observed in the spectra of patients with multiple sclerosis regarding the phosphomonoesters, phosphodiesters, inorganic phosphate, and beta-adenosine triphosphate or with respect to pH values. There was an increased creatine phosphate level in the spectra in relation to a low metabolic state of the brain.