MR spectroscopy of the lesion shows:
- increased amino-acid peak (valine, leucine, and isoleucine) (0.9 ppm) and a small alanine peak (1.48 ppm) as well as increased acetate peak (1.92 ppm), and increased succinate peak (2.4 ppm). A small aspartate peak (2.6 ppm) is noted as well. All these metabolites are fairly specific for brain abscess
- mild to moderate elevation of the lipid/lactate peak (1.33 ppm); predominantly within the central necrotic portion of the lesion
- marked depression and almost total nullification of the neural markers: N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) (2.03ppm) and creatine (Cr) (3.02 ppm & 3.94 ppm)
- depression of the choline (Cho) peak (3.22 ppm)