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Abstract #1954

Metabolic Trends in Thalamic Development from Infancy to Adulthood Measured Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Andrew J. Degnan1, 2, Vince Lee2, Rafael C. Ceschin2, Vincent J. Schmithorst2, Stefan Blml3, Ashok Panigrahy2

1University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; 2Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; 3Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States


Magnetic resonance spectroscopy is capable of offering insight into the developing brain. In this study, we report changes in the metabolite concentrations within the thalamus from healthy term neonates to young adults. In this study we note a more mature metabolite profile in the thalamus in neonates when compared with grey and white matter, consistent with other knowledge of the key role of thalamic development in early life. Knowledge of normal metabolic changes within this key structure explained by this study is essential in understanding thalamocortical deficits in the setting of preterm injury.