Neurometabolic Diseases in Children: Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Features

Curr Med Imaging Rev. 2019;15(3):255-268. doi: 10.2174/1573405613666171123152451.

Abstract

Background: Neurometabolic diseases are a group of diseases secondary to disorders in different metabolic pathways, which lead to white and/or gray matter of the brain involvement.

Discussion: Neurometabolic disorders are divided in two groups as dysmyelinating and demyelinating diseases. Because of wide spectrum of these disorders, there are many different classifications of neurometabolic diseases. We used the classification according to brain involvement areas. In radiological evaluation, MRI provides useful information for these disseases.

Conclusion: Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) provides additional metabolic information for diagnosis and follow ups in childhood with neurometabolic diseases.

Keywords: MRI; Neurometabolic diseases; brain; leukodystrophy; magnetic resonance spectroscopy; myelin.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alexander Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Alexander Disease / pathology
  • Brain Diseases, Metabolic, Inborn / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Diseases, Metabolic, Inborn / pathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Male
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sensitivity and Specificity