A reliable quantification of in vivo H-1 MRS spectra is hampered by extensive line overlap, by intensity distortions due to the water suppressing pulse sequence and complex modulation patterns of J-coupled spins, and by deviations between the experimental and model lineshapes in computer fitting programs. By correcting the experimental lineshape, using a suitable pulse sequence, and incorporating prior knowledge about the spin systems and the intensity distortions, a sufficient quantification is possible. If reliable T2 values are available absolute concentrations can be determined.
