Role of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Diagnosis of Developmental Delay in Children

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.