Limitations of Resting-State Functional MR Imaging in the Setting of Focal Brain Lesions

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
• Brain Lesion Analysis

Background:

• Resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) techniques are continuously advancing.
• Neurovascular uncoupling and susceptibility artifacts are significant challenges in rsfMRI, particularly with focal brain lesions such as tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the detection of neurovascular uncoupling and susceptibility artifacts in rsfMRI within the context of focal brain lesions.
• To highlight the impact of these confounds on brain function and connectivity assessments.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on rsfMRI acquisition and analysis methods.
• Focus on rsfMRI metrics used to identify confounds in patients with focal brain lesions.
• Discussion of challenges posed by brain tumors and similar lesions.

Main Results:

• Neurovascular uncoupling and susceptibility artifacts represent critical limitations in current rsfMRI studies involving focal brain lesions.
• Specific rsfMRI metrics can aid in the detection of these confounds.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming challenges like neurovascular uncoupling and susceptibility artifacts is crucial for accurate rsfMRI interpretation in focal brain lesions.
• Ongoing research in rsfMRI is expected to resolve these issues, enhancing our understanding of brain function and connectivity.