Use of High-Resolution Invivo Volume Selected H-1-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to Investigate Leukemia in Humans

Abstract

In vivo high resolution volume-selected H magnetic resonance spectroscopy of human tibia has been undertaken using spatial coordinates obtained from magnetic resonance images. Adult tibial marrow has a H spectrum rich in fatty acid resonances and is readily distinguished from the H spectra of surrounding leg muscle. In all four leukemic patients examined, infiltration of fat cells of tibial marrow by proliferating cells rich in mobile HO protons was evident by magnetic resonance imaging. Selective examination of volumes of tibial marrow (1 cm) by H magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed marked differences in the H spectra of marrow from these patients. Increases in the HO peak of the H spectra were correlated with infiltration of blast cells and lack of control of the neoplastic disease. These studies are the first to report the use of volume selected magnetic resonance spectroscopy to selectively monitor leukemia in humans