Andrea Ludovici, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Vittorio Colangelo, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Simone Marziali, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Fabrizio Gaudiello, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Roberto Floris, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Giovanni Simonetti MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Current imaging does not allow quantification of neural injury after traumatic brain concussion and therefore limits appropriate patients management.In this study we assessed over time the neurochemical changes that could follow a cerebral concussion by using Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS).

Ten patients who had a concussion were studied by conventional MRI and MRS within 3 days, at 10 and at 45 days after the trauma. Ten age-matched subjects served as controls.A multivoxel with point-resolved spectroscopy sequence (PRESS) was used.N-acetyl-aspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr) and choline/creatine (Cho/Cr) ratios were calculated bilaterally in subcortical white matter of frontal and parietal lobe.

NAA/Cr was statistically significantly higher (pAt 10 days NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr showed a trend towards normalization.MRS performed 45 days after the concussion showed a complete recovery of NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr values.

The NAA system may represent a unique metabolic construct of the intact human brain.MRS can be a useful non invasive method for in-vivo monitoring of post-traumatic metabolism in brain concussion. Our results demonstrate a change in NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios. Recovering of the above values suggests a temporary metabolic impairment.These findings may reflect a metabolic vulnerability of the brain following a concussion.This transitory status could worsen the effect of a second traumatic event.

Ludovici, A, Colangelo, V, Marziali, S, Gaudiello, F, Floris, R, Simonetti, G, Monitoring Metabolic Changes of n-Acetyl-Aspartate Following Cerebral Concussion: A Pilot Study Using Proton MR Spectroscopy.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4417417.html