The value of proton MR-spectroscopy in the differentiation of brain tumours from non-neoplastic brain lesions

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of Proton-MR Spectroscopy for the differentiation of cranial masses from non-neoplastic brain disorders. 33 patients with intracranial mass lesions, 29 patients with non-neoplastic brain lesions: Ischemic-demyelinating-metabolic-benign cystic mass group; As a whole 62 patients: 30 males and 32 females were included in this study. In brain tumours, average Cho/NAA ratio 2.84-NAA/Cr ratio was 0.97, Cho/Cr ratio 2.42 and Cho/MI ratio was 3.51. In non-neoplastic group; NAA/Cr ratio was extremely higher than tumour group, the other ratios were far lower than cranial mass lesions. Average Cho/NAA ratio: 0.50 +/- 0.15, Cho/Cr ratio: 1.05 +/- 0.14, Cho/MI ratio: 1.07 +/- 0.73. Higher Cho/NAA and Cho/MI ratios with lower NAA/Cr ratio were most likely to be malignant. Additional lipid and lactate peaks were generally seen in malignant group.