MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY (MRS) IN CHARACTERIZATION OF FOCAL BRAIN LESION BY COMPARISON WITH HISTOPATHOLOGY

Abstract

Background

Focal brain lesions are a common neurological condition, which can be further divided into neoplastic or non-neoplastic types. Conventional MRI helps in the structural detail of the lesions, but it cannot clearly differentiate between neoplastic causes, infections, or non-neoplastic causes. Histopathology is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of the condition, although it is an invasive procedure.

Objective

To determine the frequency of positive findings for focal brain lesions on MRS and confirmed through histopathology.

Study Design

Cross sectional study.

Place of Study

Radiology Department of Shifa International Hospital Islamabad.

Duration

This study was conducted from 20 June 2024 to 20 April 2025

Methodology

A total of 45 patients aged 18 to 60 years with focal brain lesions on conventional magnetic resonance imaging were included. All patients underwent magnetic resonance spectroscopy before surgery. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Fischer exact test were applied.

Results

Mean age was 51.71 ± 11.57 years. Males were 82.2% and females 17.8%. On spectroscopy 75.60% lesions were neoplastic while histopathology confirmed 82.20% as neoplastic. True positive rate was 75.60%.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy shows good diagnostic accuracy and is helpful non-invasive tool in differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic brain lesions