Chapter 6 Two‐Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy on Biopsy and In Vivo

Two‐dimensional (2D) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allows those resonances that are composite in a one‐dimensional spectrum, to be examined usually as individual components, in a second frequency. The 2D method has allowed the assignment of molecules that are both diagnostic and prognostic, in the spectra from human cells, biopsies and stool. The acquisition and post‐processing parameters required attention due to the very wide range of relaxation and J‐coupling values present in these specimens. 2D MRS data can also be collected in vivo. Again the acquisition sequences needed to be developed, to facilitate the localization at the lower field strengths available, for in vivo studies for brain, breast, prostate, muscle and bone marrow. In vivo 2D MRS is in its infancy but promises to be a valuable tool in the future for monitoring disease and response to therapy, particularly using the higher field strength clinical magnets now available.