Magnetic resonance spectroscopy features of Heschl's gyri in patients with unilateral acoustic neuroma: preliminary study.

RATIONALE AND

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate neurochemical alterations in Heschl's gyri and determine the most affected side in case of unilateral acoustic neuroma using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Fifteen patients with unilateral acoustic neuroma were studied. Following routine cranial MRI sequences, MRS of Heschl's gyri on tumor and nontumor sides was obtained. MRS metabolite values of both Heschl's gyri were statistically compared.

RESULTS

The values of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and Cr on nontumor side Heschl's gyrus (HG) were significantly lower than that on tumor side.

CONCLUSIONS

We found nontumor side HG more affected with lower NAA and Cr values, suggesting neuronal damage and decreased energy metabolism compared to the tumoral side.