HIGH-RESOLUTION MNR OF THE INNER MEDIUM - FROM TECHNICAL EVALUATION TO CLINICAL-APPLICATION

The application of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to the study of physiological fluids provides spectral information (quantitative, qualitative and dynamic) that can be used to characterize the biochemical and physicochemical state of the fluid studied and to define a metabolic finger print for normal and pathological states. The value of MRS of biological fluids in clinical practice is being evaluated in several laboratories. Progress over the last few years has meant that certain applications should find a use in hospital practice. The main areas of development of high-resolution MRS of biological fluids are cancer, hereditary metabolic disorders, heart and kidney transplantation, and neurological diseases. The possibility of assaying lipoproteins and glycosylated residues (sialic acid) is opening up numerous perspectives in these different areas. Finally, MRS of biological fluids may prove useful as an analytical tool in pharmacology and toxicology.