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Cortical stimulation for language mapping in focal epilepsy: Correlations with tractography of the arcuate fasciculus
Author(s) -
Diehl Beate,
Piao Zhe,
Tkach Jean,
Busch Robyn M.,
LaPresto Eric,
Najm Imad,
Bingaman Bill,
Duncan John,
Lüders Hans
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2009.02421.x
Subject(s) - arcuate fasciculus , diffusion mri , white matter , tractography , epilepsy surgery , neuroscience , fractional anisotropy , magnetic resonance imaging , anatomy , epilepsy , psychology , medicine , radiology
Summary Purpose: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) provides information about magnitude (diffusivity) and directionality (fractional anisotropy, FA) of water diffusion and allows visualization of major white matter tracts. The arcuate fasciculus (AF) connects anterior (Broca’s) and posterior (Wernicke’s) language areas. We hypothesized that essential language areas identified by direct cortical stimulation would colocalize with areas revealing subcortical connectivity via the AF. Methods: Fourteen patients with pharmacoresistant left hemispheric epilepsy and left hemisphere language dominance underwent invasive evaluations for localization of epileptogenicity and functional mapping. DTI and T1‐weighted volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were coregistered, and subdural grid electrodes identified on postimplantation computed tomography (CT) scans were also coregistered to the MRI scans. The AF was reconstructed from a region lateral to the corona radiata on the FA map. Colocalization, defined as <1 cm between the AF and the electrode positions delineating language cortex, was visually assessed with excellent reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.98). Results: A total of 71 subdural grid contacts were overlying language cortex. Nineteen contacts in eight patients were over Broca’s area, 16 of which (84.2%) colocalized with the AF. Fifty‐two contacts in 10 patients were over Wernicke’s area, with colocalization in 29 patients (55.8%). Colocalization was significantly greater in anterior regions than in posterior regions [χ 2 (1) = 4.850, p < 0.05]. Discussion: The AF, as visualized with DTI, colocalized well with anterior language areas, but less so with posterior language areas, inferring that the latter are more spatially dispersed.