Abstract
Single enhancing brain lesions (SELs), mostly as a result of neurocysticercosis or tuberculosis, are a common cause of seizures. Ten patients with SELs caused by neurocysticercosis (n=6) or tuberculosis (n=4) were examined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Tuberculomas had a high peak of lipids, more choline, and less N-acetylaspartate and creatine. The choline/creatine ratio was greater than 1 in all tuberculomas but in none of the cysticerci. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy differentiates SELs caused by cysticercosis or tuberculosis and may avoid brain biopsies or unnecessary antituberculosis treatments.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Aspartic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
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Aspartic Acid / analysis
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Brain Diseases / diagnosis
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Brain Diseases / parasitology*
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Choline / analysis
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Creatine / analysis
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Diagnosis, Differential
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Female
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Follow-Up Studies
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Humans
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Lactic Acid / analysis
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Lipids / analysis
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Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy*
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Male
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Neurocysticercosis / diagnosis*
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Neurocysticercosis / metabolism
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Tuberculoma / diagnosis
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Tuberculosis, Central Nervous System / diagnosis*
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Tuberculosis, Central Nervous System / metabolism
Substances
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Lipids
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Aspartic Acid
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Lactic Acid
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N-acetylaspartate
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Creatine
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Choline