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Reliability of functional MR imaging with word-generation tasks for mapping Broca's area
J H Brannen1, B Badie, C H Moritz
1Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|October 24, 2001
Summary
Functional MRI (fMRI) word generation tasks reliably and accurately map Broca's area. This neuroimaging technique provides precise localization for surgical planning in patients undergoing craniotomy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Functional Magnetic Resonance (fMR) imaging is utilized for mapping Broca's area in patients undergoing craniotomy.
- Word generation tasks are employed in fMR imaging to identify language areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability, precision, and accuracy of word-generation tasks for identifying Broca's area.
- To validate fMR imaging findings with electrocortical stimulation (ECS) during craniotomy.
Main Methods:
- 34 patients underwent fMR imaging with word-generation tasks (letter, category, antonym).
- Test-retest reliability was measured using the concurrence ratio (CR).
- fMR imaging results were compared with ECS mapping in patients undergoing awake craniotomy.
Main Results:
- Activation in Broca's area (Brodmann areas 9, 44, 45, 46) was identified in 31 of 34 patients.
- High test-retest reliability was observed for word-generation tasks.
- fMR imaging accurately localized speech areas, coinciding with ECS findings.
Conclusions:
- fMR imaging using word-generation tasks is a reliable and accurate method for mapping Broca's area.
- This technique provides technically satisfactory maps crucial for neurosurgical planning.
