3-T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of central neurocytoma: 3 case reports and review of the literature

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2005 Sep-Oct;29(5):683-8. doi: 10.1097/01.rct.0000171240.95430.29.

Abstract

Central neurocytoma (CNC), first described by Hassoun et al in 1982, is a rare neuronal tumor of the central nervous system, accounting for 0.25% to 0.5% of all central nervous system tumors. To our knowledge, there are only 5 published articles reporting the magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) findings of neurocytomas. The 3-T proton MRS findings of 3 cases with CNC confirmed by immunohistochemical stains are reported here. Increased choline (Cho)/creatine (Cr) ratios with decreased N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/Cr ratios were observed in all 3 cases, but only 1 case had an increased peak at 3.55 ppm known as glycine (Gly). The other case with an increased alanine peak at 1.5 ppm had a poor prognosis. Therefore, we conclude that the presence of a Gly peak may suggest the diagnosis of CNC but that the absence of Gly does not exclude the diagnosis of CNC.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alanine / metabolism
  • Aspartic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Aspartic Acid / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Choline / metabolism
  • Creatine / metabolism
  • Female
  • Glycine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy*
  • Male
  • Neurocytoma / diagnosis*
  • Neurocytoma / metabolism*

Substances

  • Aspartic Acid
  • N-acetylaspartate
  • Creatine
  • Choline
  • Alanine
  • Glycine