Abstract #2636

Kreis R, Vermathen P, Boesch C

The downfield region of the human cerebral 1H-MR spectrum is still poorly characterized. Peak positions for NAA (N-H), phenylalanine, homo-carnosine, and histidine are established and macromolecules have been identified at 1.5T. There is potential for observation of further peaks particularly amides - at higher fields. In this study, the TE- and TR-dependence of the downfield region is characterized at 3T. All peaks were found to be better resolved at this field strength; particularly those tentatively assigned to ATP are much better discerned from background. An unassigned peak at 7.3ppm shows anomalous TE-behavior when comparing spectra from 1.5 and 3T.