Supratentorial Neurometabolic Alterations in Pediatric Survivors of Posterior Fossa Tumors

Differently decreased NAA concentrations were observed in both PA and MB groups of posterior fossa tumor patients. We conclude that this reflects a disturbance of the neurometabolic steady state of normal-appearing brain tissue due to the tumor itself and to the impact of surgery in both patient groups. Further incremental decreases of metabolite concentrations in MB patients may point to additional harm caused by irradiation and chemotherapy. The stronger decrease of NAA in MB patients may correspond to the additional damage of combined irradiation and chemotherapy on neuroaxonal cell viability and number.