Role of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Diagnosis of Developmental Delay in Children
Walaa Essam Ali
Department of Radiodiagnosis, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Ahmed Abd El-Basset Abo Eezz
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
Rasha Ahmed El Shafey
Department of Radiodiagnosis, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
Atef Hammad Teama
Department of Radiodiagnosis, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: MR spectroscopy examines molecules like hydrogen ions and protons. The technique of proton spectroscopy is more commonly used. Metabolites, or metabolic products, come in a variety of forms. The aim of this work is to evaluate the role of MR spectroscopy in diagnosis of infants and children presented with developmental delay.
Methods: This study was carried out on 30 children presented with developmental delay aged between 3 months to 12 years referred for brain MR spectroscopy for diagnosis of delay in milestones. All patients were subjected to: Full history, clinical examination, some patients need I.Q testing and MRS assessment.
Results: There was no significant difference in N-acetyl-aspartate/creatine and Cho/Cr ratios in cases ≤ 2 years between the study group and the control group. N-acetyl aspartate/creatine ratio in cases >2 years was significantly lower in the study group patients than that of control group P<0.05. Cho/Cr was significant increase in study group compared to control group (p< 0.05).
Conclusions: the proton MR spectroscopy can be used to diagnose and follow developmental delay especially in children more than two years as we found typical changes in NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr.
Keywords: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, developmental delay, children