Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in brain white matter disorders

Proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy (MRS) is a non invasive technique able to measure relative concentrations of a number of brain compounds. The use of this MR technique in brain white matter disorders has improved diagnostic classification and provided surrogate measures of disease outcome. A more extensive use of multimodal MR modalities including MRI, MRS and other new non-conventional MR techniques should be encouraged. This will allow a better understanding of the complex dynamics of pathological changes in white matter disorders and a more accurate evaluation of disease progression and response to therapy.