Potential of P Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Bile in the Detection of Cholestatic Diseases

INTRODUCTION: Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a predominant phospholipid present in bile protecting bile ducts from harmful effects of bile acids. In our earlier studies on the analysis bile from cholestatic patients using H MRS, we had observed the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine in some patients [1]. Since phosphatidylcholine and its hydrolysis products – glycerophosphocholine (GPC), and phosphocholine – have similar chemical shift values for their -N(CH3)3 signals, it will be difficult to detect the biochemical changes using H NMR spectroscopy. In this study, we have tested if P magnetic resonance spectroscopy can be used for their differentiation.