1H-MRSI of the Globus Pallidus and White Matter in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Motivation: There is a need to understand the metabolic effects of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS) in more brain regions, including globus pallidus that has a role in controlling conscious and proprioceptive movement. Goal(s): To evaluate metabolic differences of ALS patients and healthy controls(HC) at the white matter(WM) and globus pallidus(GP). Approach: LCModel was used to quantify multivoxel MR spectral data of ALS patients and HC. Metabolite peak ratios of these groups were compared at WM and GP regions. Results: Lower Glu/tCr ratio at left WM than right side, lower GSH/tCr ratio at GP, and lower tNAA/tCr ratio at WM of ALS patients were observed. Impact: Glu/tCr, GSH/tCr and tNAA/tCr ratio differences were identified at globus pallidus and white matter as possible biomarkers of ALS disease, which might affect treatment planning in ALS patients in the future.