Edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the neonatal brain

J-difference-edited spectroscopy is a valuable approach for the detection of low-concentration metabolites with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Currently, few edited MRS studies are performed in neonates due to suboptimal signal-to-noise ratio, relatively long acquisition times, and vulnerability to motion artifacts. Nonetheless, the technique presents an exciting opportunity in pediatric imaging research to study rapid maturational changes of neurotransmitter systems and other metabolic systems in early postnatal life. Studying these metabolic processes is vital to understanding the widespread and rapid structural and functional changes that occur in the first years of life. The overarching goal of this review is to provide an introduction to edited MRS for neonates, including the current state-of-the-art in editing methods and editable metabolites, as well as to review the current literature applying edited MRS to the neonatal brain. Existing challenges and future opportunities, including the lack of age-specific reference data, are also discussed.

Automated summary

J-difference-edited spectroscopy is a valuable tool for detecting low-concentration metabolites, especially in pediatric imaging research. It allows the study of rapid maturational changes in metabolic systems in early life, contributing to the understanding of structural and functional changes in children in the first years of life.