Reduced brain N-acetyl aspartate level by MRS 2014-03-22T08:09:12Z Reduced brain N-acetyl aspartate level by magnetic resonance spectroscopy HP:0012708 UMLS:C4022761 N-Acetyl Aspartate (NAA) is an amino acid found exclusively in neurons. It is regarded as a non-specific marker and is thought to be involved in Coenzyme A interactions and lipogenesis within the brain. It is a marker of neuronal viability. Normal NAA concentration is in the range of 8-9 mmol/kg in healthy adult brain. Concentrations are decreased in conditions leading to axonal injury or neuronal loss. NAA is also decreased in other conditions such as neoplasm, infarction, and inflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis. NAA peak is seen at 2.0 ppm (parts per million) on MR spectra. MR Spectroscopy: N-acetylaspartate low in brain A decrease in the level of N-acetyl aspartate in the brain identified by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Abnormal brain N-acetyl aspartate level by MRS