Hydrogen Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Autism: Preliminary Evidence of Elevated Choline/Creatine Ratio

Hydrogen proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy is only beginning to be studied in autistic individuals. We report an association between hydrogen proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy choline/creatine ratios and severity of autism as measured by the Children's Autistic Rating Scale (Pearson r = .657, P = .04) in 10 autistic children. Hydrogen proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy choline/creatine ratio measures the concentration of cytosolic choline including free choline used in the synthesis of acetylcholine. Elevation in this ratio has been interpreted as a result of membrane degradation such as caused by a tumor or, alternatively, as a result of choline synthesis associated with increased cellular proliferation. Recent neuropathologic evidence has implicated disruption of acetylcholine transmission in the brains of autistic adults. A case-controlled study of hydrogen proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy choline/creatine ratios is warranted.