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Neuropediatrics 2006; 37(5): 312-314
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-955968
Short Communications

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) Ingestion Causes a Significant Resonance in Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectra of Brain and Cerebrospinal Fluid

M. A. A. P. Willemsen1 , U. F. H. Engelke2 , M. van der Graaf3 , R. A. Wevers2
  • 1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
  • 2Laboratory for Pediatrics and Neurology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
  • 3Department of Radiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

Received: August 8, 2006

Accepted after Revision: December 5, 2006

Publication Date:
18 January 2007 (online)

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Abstract

The use of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), available as an “over-the-counter” dietary supplement, led to the occurrence of an abnormal resonance at 3.15 ppm in the in vivo brain proton MR spectrum as well as the in vitro cerebrospinal fluid NMR study of a 4-year-old girl. The concentration of this compound amounted to 1.2 mmol/l in brain tissue and 1.7 mmol/l in cerebrospinal fluid. Our findings illustrate that ingestion of exogenous compounds, e.g., in medication, food or “innocent” supplements, may lead to abnormal resonances in spectroscopy studies that might be difficult to assign.

Key words

Methylsulfonylmethane - dimethyl sulfone - proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy - NMR

References

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MD, PhD M. A. A. P. Willemsen

Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre
Department of Pediatric Neurology (820 IKNC)

PO Box 9101

NL-6500 HB Nijmegen

The Netherlands

Email: m.willemsen@cukz.umcn.nl

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