Serial proton spectroscopy in a case of adult-onset subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Abstract

A case of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in a 27-year-old man was serially evaluated with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Metabolic abnormalities included decreased N-acetylaspartate and elevated choline and myo-inositol in a lesion visible on magnetic resonance imaging and in normal-appearing white matter. Lactate appeared increased within the lesion. Metabolic impairment was persistent after intrathecal interferon-a treatment. Spectroscopy pointing to ongoing inflammation, gliosis, and possible membrane turnover was more sensitive than imaging in detecting widespread pathology within the white matter. D

Quantification of neurometabolites in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis by 1 H-MRS

“…8 Similarly, the follow-up 1 H-MRS in two of our patients who passed into clinical stage 4 during the follow-up period showed decreased mI concentrations. Astrocytosis is a nonspecific reaction of the brain to many types of CNS injuries.…”