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Abstract #4036

31P MRS Shows Low Phosphocholine/Glycerophosphocholine in Paediatric Optic Pathway Gliomas

Jan Novak1, 2, Martin Wilson1, 2, Nigel Davies1, 2, Theodoros N. Arvanitis, 23, Andrew C. Peet1, 2

1Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom; 2Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom; 3School of Electronic, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom


A 31P MRSI protocol has been developed using both phantoms and volunteers for the study of paediatric brain tumours in a clinically-acceptable timescale. This protocol was sensitive enough to pick up subtle differences in metabolite levels in different regions of the brain. The protocol has subsequently been implemented in paediatric patients with optic pathway gliomas with the data showing a low phosphocholine/glycerophosphocholine ratio. This is a potential biomarker indicating low grade nature despite the lesions being large enhancing tumours with a high total choline peak measured by 1H MRS, which are usually associate with high grade tumours.