Role of TR (Repetition Time) and TE (ECHO Time) in Optimization of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in the Brain Protocol

Introduction: Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive imaging modality used to quantify brain metabolites, aiding in the diagnosis of neurological disorders. Optimization of acquisition parameters, especially Repetition Time (TR) and Echo Time (TE), is critical for enhancing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and metabolite detection. Method: This six-month study involved 100 participants undergoing brain MRS at two tertiary care centers. MRS examinations were performed using a 1.5 Tesla scanner with single-voxel PRESS sequences. TR values (1500–2000 ms) and TE values (30 ms, 144 ms) were varied systematically to assess their impact on SNR, spectral resolution (FWHM), and metabolite detection. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and correlation studies. Results: Longer TR values significantly improved SNR (12.3 ± 1.8 at TR = 1500 ms vs. 14.7 ± 2.1 at TR = 2000 ms; p <0.001). Higher TE values enhanced spectral resolution (FWHM: 0.050 ± 0.005 ppm at TE = 30 ms vs. 0.045 ± 0.004 ppm at TE = 144 ms; p <0.01). Diagnostic accuracy was highest for brain tumors (90%). TR and SNR showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.851; p <0.001). Conclusion: Optimized TR and TE values significantly enhance metabolite quantification and diagnostic accuracy in MRS, particularly for brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases.