Clinical MR Spectroscopy

The course gives an introduction to clinical use of MR spectroscopy, both in vivo and ex vivo, with emphasis on proton MRS. The technique’s feasibilities and limitations will be discussed. Parameters such as volume localization (PRESS, STEAM, MRSI), water suppression, relaxation, coupling constants will be explained. Processing, quality control procedures and interpretation of spectra will be discussed. On the basis of exercises at both in vivo MRS and HR MAS systems the students are introduced to practical use of processing tools like jMRUI, LCModel, TopSpin and also multivariate analysis.

After completing the course, the student:
1 Should understand the basic principles of MR spectroscopy.
2 Should be able to apply MR spectroscopic methods.
3 Should know how to analyze and evaluate MR spectroscopic results using various analytical and processing software tool.
4 Should be able to evaluate MR spectroscopic results for diagnostic use.
5 Should manage to give a critical evaluation of publications where MR spectroscopy have been used.
6 Should write a review paper at international publication level about a chosen topic within clinical MR spectroscopy.

Lectures, hands-on exercises (40 hours).
The course will be arranged with a minimum of 4 students. Maximum 10 students due to practical MR exercises.