Multicentre baseline proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic data on primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) patients are acquired and analysed, using automatic analysis software. The metabolite ratios did not differ from centre to centre. The average N-acetylaspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr) ratio in PPMS was significantly lower compared to normal controls. No significant differences were observed in this ratio between lesion-containing regions (LCR) and normal-appearing tissues (NAT). Strong lipid resonances, even in the absence of lesions, are observed in the both grey and white matter in these patients. These observations suggest extensive diffuse and/or microscopic pathology in PPMS. No significant correlation between any of the metabolite ratios and the Extended Disability Scale Score (EDSS) or with other MR measures such as lesion burden and enhancement volumes is observed.