Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Magnectic Resonance Spectroscopy
What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MRS?
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a means of “seeing” inside of the body in order for doctors to find certain diseases or abnormal conditions. MRI does not rely on the type of radiation (i.e., ionizing radiation) used for an x-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan. The MRI examination requires specialized equipment that uses a powerful, constant magnetic field, rapidly changing local magnetic fields, radiofrequency energy, and dedicated equipment including a powerful computer to create very clear pictures of internal body structures.
During the MRI examination, Norman is placed within the MR system or “scanner”. The powerful, constant magnetic field aligns a tiny fraction of subatomic particles called protons that are present in most of the body's tissues. Radiofrequency energy is applied to cause these protons to produce signals that are picked up by a receiver within the scanner. The signals are specially characterized using the rapidly changing, local magnetic field and computer-processed to produce images of the body part of interest.
MR spectroscopy is used to characterize biochemical components of normal and abnormal brain tissue. MRS complements MRI as a non-invasive means for the characterization of tissue. The most widely used clinical application of MRS has been in the evaluation of central nervous system disorders. MRS has its limitations and is not always specific but, with good technique and in combination with clinical information and conventional MRI, can be very helpful in diagnosing certain entities. MRS may also be helpful in the differentiation of high grade from low grade brain tumors, and perhaps in separating recurrent brain neoplasm from radiation injury.
On the 3rd May 2008, Norman had his 2nd MRI and MRS done at Wijaya Medical center in PJ. The result shows necrotic brain tissues. It was indeed good news for us. There are 2 rounded heterogeneously enhancing lesions in the left frontal lobe measuring about 1.0x1.5cm and 0.6x0.5cm. There was still some edema seen.
Norman finished his 4th cycle of Temodar chemotherapy on the 22nd May. He experience the usual side effects of gastric bloatedness, loss of appetite and lethargy. However he still manage a full round of 18 hole at the golf course!! 3 cheers! Golf power wins!! Another 2 more cycles of temodar in June and July and that’s the end of chemotherapy(I pray he doesn’t need any more of this toxic poison anymore).
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a means of “seeing” inside of the body in order for doctors to find certain diseases or abnormal conditions. MRI does not rely on the type of radiation (i.e., ionizing radiation) used for an x-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan. The MRI examination requires specialized equipment that uses a powerful, constant magnetic field, rapidly changing local magnetic fields, radiofrequency energy, and dedicated equipment including a powerful computer to create very clear pictures of internal body structures.
During the MRI examination, Norman is placed within the MR system or “scanner”. The powerful, constant magnetic field aligns a tiny fraction of subatomic particles called protons that are present in most of the body's tissues. Radiofrequency energy is applied to cause these protons to produce signals that are picked up by a receiver within the scanner. The signals are specially characterized using the rapidly changing, local magnetic field and computer-processed to produce images of the body part of interest.
MR spectroscopy is used to characterize biochemical components of normal and abnormal brain tissue. MRS complements MRI as a non-invasive means for the characterization of tissue. The most widely used clinical application of MRS has been in the evaluation of central nervous system disorders. MRS has its limitations and is not always specific but, with good technique and in combination with clinical information and conventional MRI, can be very helpful in diagnosing certain entities. MRS may also be helpful in the differentiation of high grade from low grade brain tumors, and perhaps in separating recurrent brain neoplasm from radiation injury.
On the 3rd May 2008, Norman had his 2nd MRI and MRS done at Wijaya Medical center in PJ. The result shows necrotic brain tissues. It was indeed good news for us. There are 2 rounded heterogeneously enhancing lesions in the left frontal lobe measuring about 1.0x1.5cm and 0.6x0.5cm. There was still some edema seen.
Norman finished his 4th cycle of Temodar chemotherapy on the 22nd May. He experience the usual side effects of gastric bloatedness, loss of appetite and lethargy. However he still manage a full round of 18 hole at the golf course!! 3 cheers! Golf power wins!! Another 2 more cycles of temodar in June and July and that’s the end of chemotherapy(I pray he doesn’t need any more of this toxic poison anymore).
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