Neuropediatrics 2003; 34(2): 57-60
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-39596
Original Article

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Investigation of the Cerebral Energy Status in Patients with Glutaric Aciduria Type I by 31P Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

H. E. Möller 1 , 2 , H. G. Koch 3 , J. Weglage 3 , F. Freudenberg 4 , K. Ullrich 4
  • 1Max-Planck-Institut für neuropsychologische Forschung, Leipzig, Germany
  • 2Institut für Klinische Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany
  • 3Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinderheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany
  • 4Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinderheilkunde und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: September 6, 2002

Accepted after Revision: December 17, 2002

Publication Date:
30 May 2003 (online)

Abstract

In vivo phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to investigate markers of the cerebral energy status in two patients with glutaric aciduria type I (GA-I). Besides an increased concentration of phosphomonoesters in one patient, no other significant alterations from controls were found. This might indicate increased resynthesis of dendritic processes secondary to preceding metabolic crises. In contrast to previous cell-culture studies, no cerebral depletion of phosphocreatine (PCr) was observed. In conclusion, a severe global and permanent depletion of cerebral energy supplies must be ruled out. The benefit of a permanent creatine substitution to stabilize mitochondrial energy metabolism seems thus questionable. However, as MRS was performed during stable clinical conditions, the possibility of a PCr decrease during acute metabolic crises cannot be assessed.

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Ph.D. Harald E. Möller

Max Planck Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience

Stephanstraße 1 a

04103 Leipzig

Germany

Email: moeller@cns.mpg.de