P-31 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. A tool for diagnostic purposes and pathophysiological insights in muscle diseases

Abstract

It has been more than 15 years since 31-phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) was first used in order to study human muscle diseases. Its impact on the field of neuromuscular disorders has now become considerable for pathophysiological insights and for diagnostic purposes. Recent reviews (1-3) have summarized the possibilities of the technique that permits to investigate muscle energetic metabolism non-invasively and non-destructively. In this mini-review, we will recall the information provided by a P-31 MRS spectrum when exploring a normal muscle and present the new spectral semiology that is helpful for the diagnosis of metabolic myopathies. We will also show briefly some other clinical applications of this technique.