CSF dynamics in long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults.

OBJECTIVE: Long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA) is a form of chronic hydrocephalus and its pathophysiology and treatment remain debated. An analysis of CSF dynamics in this condition has rarely been reported. The aim of this study was to analyze hydrodynamic characteristics of patients with suspected LOVA to discuss its pathophysiological mechanisms and the importance of CSF dynamics analysis for diagnosis and treatment of these patients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study, conducted between May 2018 and October 2022, included adult patients aged > 18 years investigated in a department of neurosurgery through a lumbar infusion study for suspicion of LOVA (n = 23). These patients were then compared with a control cohort explored for suspicion of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH; n = 30). Clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and hydrodynamic parameters were analyzed. The authors specifically compared two hydrodynamic parameters: resistance to CSF outflow, or Rout, which relies on CSF resorption, and pressure-volume index (PVI), which reflect overall craniospinal compliance. The lumbar infusion study was considered pathological (confirming the diagnosis of chronic hydrocephalus) when at least one of these two parameters was altered. RESULTS: Rout was significantly less frequently increased (cutoff ≥ 12 mm Hg/ml/min) in patients with LOVA (52%) than in those with iNPH (97%; p < 0.001). In contrast, PVI was impaired (cutoff ≤ 25 ml) in both cohorts, i.e., in 61% of patients with LOVA and in 83% of patients with iNPH. Overall, the rate of pathological lumbar infusion study in LOVA (87%) was not statistically different than in iNPH (100%). However, PVI was the only impaired parameter most frequently found in those with LOVA (35%) compared with those with iNPH (3%; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that there is a differential CSF dynamics pattern when comparing patients with LOVA versus those with iNPH. A higher proportion of patients with LOVA showed isolated compliance impairment. These findings highlight the utility of CSF dynamics analysis for the evaluation of patients with suspected chronic obstructive hydrocephalus such as LOVA. Future research with larger case series may help define diagnosis and treatment algorithms of chronic obstructive hydrocephalus based on CSF dynamics analysis, in addition to clinical and radiological criteria.

IRF2BPL as a novel causative gene for progressive myoclonus epilepsy.

IRF2BPL has recently been described as a novel cause of neurodevelopmental disorders with multisystemic regression, epilepsy, cerebellar symptoms, dysphagia, dystonia, and pyramidal signs. We describe a novel IRF2BPL phenotype consistent with progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) in three novel subjects and review the features of the 31 subjects with IRF2BPL-related disorders previously reported. Our three probands, aged 28-40 years, harbored de novo nonsense variants in IRF2BPL (c.370C > T, p.[Gln124*] and c.364C > T; p.[Gln122*], respectively). From late childhood/adolescence, they presented with severe myoclonus epilepsy, stimulus-sensitive myoclonus, and progressive cognitive, speech, and cerebellar impairment, consistent with a typical PME syndrome. The skin biopsy revealed massive intracellular glycogen inclusions in one proband, suggesting a similar pathogenic pathway to other storage disorders. Whereas the two older probands were severely affected, the younger proband had a milder PME phenotype, partially overlapping with some of the previously reported IRF2BPL cases, suggesting that some of them might be unrecognized PME. Interestingly, all three patients harbored protein-truncating variants clustered in a proximal, highly conserved gene region around the "coiled-coil" domain. Our data show that PME can be an additional phenotype within the spectrum of IRF2BPL-related disorders and suggest IRF2BPL as a novel causative gene for PME.

INPH and parkinsonism: A positive shunt response with a negative tap test.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare clinical and functional performances of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) patients with and without parkinsonism at the initial evaluation, 72 h after the cerebrospinal fluid tap test (CSF TT), and 6 months after ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery. Materials and methods: This is an observational prospective study on patients with INPH who underwent VPS. Patients were classified into INPH with parkinsonism (INPH-P+) and without parkinsonism (INPH-P-). We used the time up and go (TUG) test, Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) test, INPH grading scale (INHPGS), and modified Rankin scale (mRS) at baseline, 72 h after CSF TT, and 6 months after VPS surgery. Results: A total of 64 patients with probable INPH were included, 12 patients with INPH-P+ and 52 controls with INPH-P-. Patients with INPH showed significant improvement in all clinical and neurological parameters after VPS including TUG, Tinetti POMA, INPHGS, and mRS (p < 0.001) with the exception of mRS where there was no significant change 72 h after CSF TT compared to baseline for patients with INPH (p = 0.182). Patients with INPH-P+ performed significantly worse than patients with INPH-P- on Tinetti POMA and mRS at baseline, at 72 h post-CSF TT, and at 6 months post-VPS with INPHGS being worst at 72 h post-CSF TT. There was no difference between patients with INPH-P+ and patients with INPH-P- for TUG at baseline (p = 0.270), at 72 h post-CSF TT (p = 0.487), and at 6 months post-VPS (p = 0.182). Patients with INPH-P+ did not show any change in any of the parameters at 72 h post-CSF TT compared to baseline; however, there was a trend toward improvement on TUG (p = 0.058), Tinetti gait (p = 0.062), and Tinetti total (p = 0.067). INPH-P+ significantly improved in all parameters 6 months post-VPS compared to baseline except for mRS (p = 0.124). Patients with INPH-P- significantly improved in all parameters at 72 h post-CSF TT and at 6 months post-VPS compared to baseline, respectively, except on mRS 72 h after CSF TT (p = 0.299). Conclusion: Patients with INPH and parkinsonism overall do worse than patients without parkinsonism. An unsatisfying response to the CSF tap test in INPH patients with parkinsonism should not be used as an exclusion criterion from VPS surgery since patients with and without parkinsonism showed significant improvement post-VPS.

Magnetic Resonance-Based Assessment of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study on Inter- and Intra-Rater Agreement.

BACKGROUND: The measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) as a non-invasive method of estimating intracranial pressure has been widely reported in the literature. However, few studies have evaluated the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing ONSD measurements, although it is considered a very reliable method, it is not easily repeatable, expensive and is not readily available bedside. Herein, an assessment of the intra- and inter-rater reliability of ONSD assessment using MRI was conducted. METHODS: A consecutive, prospective cohort of patients with suspected idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus was analyzed. ONSD MRI measurements of the transverse and sagittal diameters at a distance of 3 mm behind the papilla were evaluated twice each by two expert neuroradiologists. The correlations between MRI examiners were calculated using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in the study. ONSD MRI average measurements were substantially higher than clinically expected (>5 mm). Considering intra-rater concordance, only one of the two neuroradiologists achieved an excellent score at CCC. Only a moderate inter-observer CCC for MRI assessment was found at all diameters. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a widespread MRI sequence (3D T1) to measure ONSD is not an accurate method since it may overestimate measurements and is dependent upon an operator.

The CLOSED protocol to assess optic nerve sheath diameter using color-Doppler: a comparison study in a cohort of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus patients.

BACKGROUND: Sonographic assessment of the optic nerve sheath diameter represents a promising non-invasive technique for estimation of the intracranial pressure. A wide inter-observer variability, along with a lack of a standardized protocol for the optic nerve sheath diameter measurements, could lead to over- or under-estimation. The present study was aimed at evaluating feasibility of color-Doppler for better delineating optic nerve sheath borders, comparing it to B-mode imaging, using the magnetic resonance measurements as a comparison. METHODS: Optic nerve sheath diameters were evaluated using magnetic resonance by an expert radiologist in a cohort of patients with suspected idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. Magnetic resonance findings were evaluated twice. In the first half of this cohort, optic nerve sheath diameters were measured using B-mode only, in the second half applying color-Doppler. Measurements obtained using these two techniques were compared to magnetic resonance imaging measurements. The Bland-Altman analysis and concordance correlation coefficient were computed to quantify the strength of agreement between the two magnetic resonance assessments. Box plots and average (± SD) were used to compare assessments by sonographic and magnetic resonance methods. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included. MRI assessment showed a moderate concordance correlation coefficient. Optic nerve sheath diameters measured applying color-Doppler were lower (p < 0.001) and less scattered compared to B-mode assessment, which approached more to magnetic resonance measurements. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of patients, magnetic resonance showed high intra-rater variability in optic nerve sheath diameter assessments. Optic nerve sheath diameter assessments using color-Doppler yielded lower and less scattered diameters compared to B-mode only.

Gait apraxia evaluation in normal pressure hydrocephalus using inertial sensors. Clinical correlates, ventriculoperitoneal shunt outcomes, and tap-test predictive capacity.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a neurological condition with gait apraxia signs from its early manifestation. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is a surgical procedure available for treatment. The Cerebrospinal fluid Tap Test (CSF-TT) is a quick test used as selection criterion for VPS treatment. Its predictive capacity for VPS outcomes is still sub judice. This study is aimed to test the hypothesis that wearable motion sensors provide valid measures to manage iNPH patients with gait apraxia. METHODS: Forty-two participants of the Bologna PRO-Hydro observational cohort study were included in the analyses. The participants performed the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the 18 m walking test (18mW) with inertial sensors at baseline, three days after the CSF-TT, and six months after VPS. 21 instrumental variables described gait and postural transitions from TUG and 18mW recordings. Furthermore, participants were clinically assessed with scales (clinical variables). We tested the hypothesis by analysing the concurrent validity of instrumental and clinical variables, their individual- and group-level responsiveness to VPS, and their predictive validity for VPS outcomes after CSF-TT. RESULTS: The instrumental variables showed moderate to high correlation with the clinical variables. After VPS, most clinical and instrumental variables showed statistically significant improvements that reflect a reduction of apraxic features of gait. Most instrumental variables, but only one clinical variable (i.e., Tinetti POMA), had predictive value for VPS outcomes (significant adjusted R2 in the range 0.12-0.70). CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that wearable inertial sensors may represent a valid tool to complement clinical evaluation for iNPH assessment and prognosis.

Open-aqueduct LOVA, LIAS, iNPH: a comparative clinical-radiological study exploring the "grey zone" between different forms of chronic adulthood hydrocephalus.

PURPOSE: The definition of chronic adult hydrocephalus encompasses different pathological entities with overlapping characteristics, including long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA), late-onset idiopathic aqueductal stenosis (LIAS) and idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). The aim of our study was to identify preoperative clinical and radiological features peculiar of these diseases providing some pathophysiology inferences on these forms of hydrocephalus. METHODS: Clinical and radiological preoperative records, type of surgical treatment and clinical outcome of patients with chronic adult hydrocephalus who were surgically treated between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the contribution of each variable to the differential diagnosis. RESULTS: In total, 105 patients were included: 18 with LOVA, 23 with LIAS and 64 with iNPH. On multivariate analysis, an enlarged cisterna magna and a more severe ventriculomegaly were associated with the diagnosis of LOVA, while an older age and DESH with iNPH. LIAS patients tend to have an higher prevalence of raised ICP symptoms. Based on that, a clinical and radiological scoring system was developed to distinguish between iNPH and no iNPH cases. A precise cut-off value with a sensitivity of 95.1% and a specificity of 90.6% was identified. CONCLUSIONS: LOVA, LIAS and iNPH are different forms of chronic adulthood hydrocephalus and present different and peculiar clinical and radiological features, with an impact on the treatment and outcome prediction. The implementation of a clinical-radiological score for differential diagnosis may help the differentiation. Further studies are warranted.

Anterior callosal angle correlates with gait impairment and fall risk in iNPH patients.

BACKGROUND: In idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), gait and balance impairment is the most frequent symptom, and it is often associated with a higher fall risk. In a prior study, the anterior callosal angle (ACA) was validated as a reliable marker to discriminate iNPH from Alzheimer's disease and healthy controls. However, the potential correlation between the ACA with clinical symptoms and functional outcomes has not been assessed. The objective of this study is to determine the utility of the ACA in predicting gait improvement after ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting. METHODS: Patients with probable iNPH who underwent shunt placement at a single institution were prospectively enrolled from May 2015 to May 2019. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively following a standard clinical and MRI protocol. Callosal angle (CA) and ACA were calculated from 3 T MRI preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. CA and ACA were tested for correlation with clinical scores. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients with probable INPH who completed 6-month postoperative follow-up were enrolled in the study. Baseline ACA was significantly correlated with preoperative fall risk, gait, and balance impairment assessed with Tinetti POMA scale. Additionally, baseline ACA differentiated patients who experienced improvement at Tinetti POMA scale after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The baseline ACA is a useful neuroradiological marker to differentiate patients by fall risk and has significant correlation with the improvement in gait and balance impairment following surgery. This study demonstrated that the ACA may be a complementary tool to the CA in predicting shunt responsiveness in iNPH.

Long-term persistence of NMDAR antibodies after encephalitis with de novo occurrence of demyelinating disorder.

The issue of persistence of NMDAR antibodies after encephalitis is not fully elucidated and their relationship with demyelinating disorders has been suggested. A female patient showed at the age of 18 an acute neurological disorder (with psychiatric symptoms, focal seizures, orofacial dyskinesias and hypoventilation requiring ventilatory support) clinically mimicking anti-NMDAR encephalitis. At that time specific laboratory tests were not available, CSF revealed oligoclonal bands and MRI was negative. The patient had full recovery after first line immunotherapy (i.v. steroids and immunoglobulins). Fifteen years later, at the age of 33, she was hospitalized with subacute right hemiparesis and MRI disclosed multiple T2 hyperintensities in the white matter, one of them in the left midbrain showing contrast enhancement. Serum and CSF NMDAR antibodies were positive while MOG and AQP4 antibodies were negative. Intravenous methylprednisolone led to complete recovery. This case report provides evidence of a long-term persistence of NMDAR antibodies even 15 years after the encephalitis and raises the suspicion of a possible causal relationship between NMDAR antibodies and demyelinating disorders in the form of multiple sclerosis.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Conventional Brain MRI in the Clinical Work-Up of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Clinical signs of upper motor neuron (UMN) involvement are important in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) though are often difficult to analyze. Many studies using both qualitative and quantitative evaluations have reported abnormal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings at the level of the pyramidal pathway in patients with ALS. Although the most interesting results were obtained by quantitative studies using advanced MR techniques, the qualitative evaluation of MRI images remains the most-used in clinical practice. We evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic contribution of conventional 3T-MRI in the clinical work-up of ALS patients. Two neuroradiologists retrospectively assessed 3T-MRI data of 93 ALS patients and 89 controls. The features of interest were corticospinal tract (CST) T2/FLAIR hyperintensity, motor cortex (MC) T2*/SWI hypointensity, and selective MC atrophy. All MRI features were significantly more prevalent in ALS patients than in controls. The simultaneous presence of CST FLAIR hyperintensity and MC SWI hypointensity was associated with the highest diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity: 70%; specificity: 81%; positive predictive value, PPV: 90%; negative predictive value, NPV: 51%; accuracy: 73%) and a shorter survival (HR: 6.56, p = 0.002). Conventional 3T-MRI can be a feasible tool to detect specific qualitative changes based on UMN involvement and to support clinical diagnosis of ALS. Importantly, CST FLAIR hyperintensity and MC SWI hypointensity are predictors of shorter survival in ALS patients.

Anterior Callosal Angle: A New Marker of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?

OBJECTIVE: Diagnosing idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) still remains a clinical challenge. The callosal angle (CA) is a widely used neuroradiologic marker for iNPH. However, the relationship of the CA to clinical features has not been well investigated. We hypothesize that iNPH symptoms might better correlate with a variant of the CA (anterior callosal angle [ACA]). We aim to establish the validity of the ACA measurement for the diagnosis of iNPH and compare it with current radiologic parameters. METHODS: The multidisciplinary BOLOGNA PRO-HYDRO Study Group performed a retrospective review of consecutive iNPH patients. Magnetic resonance imaging studies for these patients were collected, as well as magnetic resonance imaging studies from Alzheimer disease and healthy control patients. The CA, ACA, and Evans Index were measured by 2 blinded members of the study team based on magnetic resonance images for each of these populations. RESULTS: The ACA shows high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in distinguishing iNPH patients from healthy control and Alzheimer disease patients. The optimal pathologic diagnostic cut-off value for the ACA is 119 degrees. The diagnostic accuracy of the ACA is not significantly different from the CA. CONCLUSIONS: The ACA could be a valid radiologic parameter in the diagnostic armamentarium for iNPH.

The effects of cerebrospinal fluid tap-test on idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: an inertial sensors based assessment.

BACKGROUND: Gait disturbances are typical of persons with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) without signs distinctive from other neurodegenerative and vascular conditions. Cerebrospinal fluid tap-test (CSF-TT) is expected to improve the motor performance of iNPH patients and is a prognostic indicator in their surgical management. This observational prospective study aims to determine which spatio-temporal gait parameter(s), measured during instrumented motor tests, and clinical scale(s) may provide a relevant contribution in the evaluation of motor performance pre vs. post CSF-TT on iNPH patients with and without important vascular encephalopathy. METHODS: Seventy-six patients (20 with an associated vascular encephalopathy) were assessed before, and 24 and 72 h after the CSF-TT by a timed up and go test (TUG) and an 18 m walking test (18 mW) instrumented using inertial sensors. Tinetti Gait, Tinetti Balance, Gait Status Scale, and Grading Scale were fulfilled before and 72 h after the CSF-TT. Stride length, cadence and total time were selected as the outcome measures. Statistical models with mixed effects were implemented to determine the relevant contribution to response variables of each quantitative gait parameter and clinical scales. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: From baseline to 72 h post CSF-TT patients improved significantly by increasing cadence in 18 mW and TUG (on average of 1.7 and 2.4 strides/min respectively) and stride length in 18 mW (on average of 3.1 cm). A significant reduction of gait apraxia was reflected by modifications in double support duration and in coordination index. Tinetti Gait, Tinetti Balance and Gait Status Scale were able to explain part of the variability of response variables not covered by instrumental data, especially in TUG. Grading Scale revealed the highest affinity with TUG total time and cadence when considering clinical scales alone. Patients with iNPH and an associated vascular encephalopathy showed worst performances compared to pure iNPH but without statistical significance. Gait improvement following CSF-TT was comparable in the two groups. Overall these results suggest that, in order to augment CSF-TT accuracy, is key to assess the gait pattern by analyzing the main spatio-temporal parameters and set post evaluation at 72 h. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Approved by ethics committee: CE 14131 23/02/2015.

A Proposal for a New Protocol for Sonographic Assessment of the Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter: The CLOSED Protocol.

Measuring and monitoring of intracranial pressure is considered standard of care in patients with suspected intracranial hypertension. Sonographic assessment of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) has been promising and potentially useful for noninvasive intracranial hypertension screening. ONSD measurements are easy to perform, repeatable at bedside, fast, low cost, and radiation-free. However, they are still burdened by inter-rater variability, lack of ultrasound (US) setting standardization (e.g., US frequency, focus depth, etc.), and possible artifacts. To overcome this problem, we propose the CLOSED protocol associated with equipment specifications, as a guide to minimize the occurrence of such artifacts enabling a more reliable and accurate measurement. We suggest that color Doppler could be used as a new standard evaluation for the ONSD.

A prospective evaluation of clinical and instrumental features before and after ventriculo-peritoneal shunt in patients with idiopathic Normal pressure hydrocephalus: The Bologna PRO-Hydro study.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a complex and often misdiagnosed syndrome, whose major challenge is to identify which patients will benefit from surgery. Previous studies reported a variability in positive surgery response. The role of tap test(TT) in screening patients suitable for shunting is controversial. The primary aim of this study was to describe the clinical/instrumental features and their longitudinal progression after surgery in iNPH patients. Secondarily, we aimed to investigate the response of the three iNPH domains and the best time of outcome assessment after TT. METHODS: Patients compatible with iNPH underwent a 3-T-MRI and an inpatients program with TT including standardized clinical evaluations, neuropsychological assessments and instrumental gait analysis pre- and after-(24-h and 72-h) TT. The multidisciplinary team selected candidates for surgery. Patients were evaluated 6- and 12-months after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 154 consecutive patients were included from 2015 to 2018, 76 with an iNPH diagnosis (43 underwent surgery, 35 were evaluated after 6-months). Clinical and instrumented quantitative gait measures and urinary symptoms improved over time along with some neuropsychological functions. Concerning pre- and post-TT analyses, the three iNPH domains showed a different response after TT, the delayed motor assessment was more appropriate than the early one and the instrumental measures highlighted the motor improvement. CONCLUSION: iNPH patients improved after surgery, when accurately selected. A multidisciplinary team focused on this disease and a standardized protocol helped in achieving a correct diagnosis and management of iNPH. Our results could impact the management of this disease.

Revisiting the Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarker Profile in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: The Bologna Pro-Hydro Study.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers have been extensively investigated in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) with the aim of a better differential diagnosis, but the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CSF biomarker changes and the relationship between biomarker levels and clinical variables are still a matter of debate. We evaluated CSF amyloid-ß (Aß)42 and Aß40, total (t)-tau, phosphorylated (p)-tau, total prion protein (t-PrP), and neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) in healthy controls (n = 50) and subjects with iNPH (n = 71), Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 60), and several other subtypes of dementia (n = 145). Patients with iNPH showed significantly lower levels of Aß42, Aß40, t-tau, and p-tau compared to controls. Similarly, t-PrP values showed a trend toward lower levels in iNPH patients than in controls. At variance, NfL levels were increased in iNPH as in all other neurodegenerative dementias, with no significant difference between "pure" iNPH cases and those with vascular or AD comorbidities. The Aß42/Aß40 ratio showed higher diagnostic value than Aß42 alone in the differential diagnosis between iNPH and AD. There were no clinically relevant associations between neuroimaging markers, scores at clinical and cognitive scales/tests, or rates of response at tap test and CSF biomarker results. In summary, the CSF biomarker signature in patients with iNPH is mainly characterized by reduced CSF concentrations of Aß- and tau-related proteins. The assessment of CSF neurodegenerative biomarker profile in iNPH, including the Aß42/Aß40 ratio, contributes to the differential diagnosis with AD and other dementias but shows poor associations with clinical variables.

Quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the human cervical spinal cord at 3 Tesla.

Cervical spinal cord spectroscopy has the potential to add metabolic information to spinal cord MRI and improve the clinical evaluation and research investigation of spinal cord diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and intraspinal tumors. However, in vivo proton MR spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) of the spinal cord is difficult to perform due to magnetic field inhomogeneities, physiological movements, and the size of the anatomical region of interest (ROI). For these reasons, few spinal cord (1)H-MRS studies have been undertaken and two preliminary studies on a 3T system were only recently presented as abstracts. In this work we demonstrate the feasibility of cervical spinal cord quantitative (1)H-MRS on a clinical 3T system, propose a study protocol, and report quantification results obtained from healthy volunteers. The main metabolite concentration ratios obtained in 10 healthy subjects, as provided by LCModel, were as follows: total N-acetyl aspartate/creatine (tNAA/Cr) 1.4 +/- 0.3, choline/creatine (Cho/Cr) 0.5 +/- 0.1, and myoinositol/creatine (mI/Cr) 1.7 +/- 0.2. A significant difference was found between spinal cord tNAA, Cr, Cho, and mI concentration ratios and brainstem concentrations previously acquired on the same system.