RSNA 2003 

Abstract Archives of the RSNA, 2003


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BOLD-contrast fMRI in the Pre-surgical Mapping of the Brain Cortex in Pediatric Patients with Brain Space Occupying Lesions

Scientific Posters

Presented on November 30, 2003
Presented as part of B16: Pediatric Pediatric Neuroradiology I

Participants

Massimo Caulo MD, PRESENTER: Nothing to Disclose

Abstract: HTML Purpose: This study aims to demonstrate the possibility to perform cognitive and motor tasks fMRI studies in pediatric patients, when a cortical mapping is required before surgery. Methods and Materials: 12 young patients with brain lesions of different kind have been studied using BOLD-c fMRI. Patients (8 females, 4 males) ranged in age from 9 to 16 years. FMRI was performed according to a block paradigm alternating rest/control condition to task conditions. Motor and language functions were explored. Language tasks were adapted to children compliance to asses hemispheric dominance. The word generation task has been obtained asking the patient to produce word beginning with a given letter; the letter was projected together with the drawn of a cargo-ship which was supposed, by the patient, to carry a large amounts of words beginning with the given letter. fMRI acquisition was carried out with 1.5 T MRI unit. BOLD contrast images were obtained by means of EPI sequences. Results: A complete cooperation of all but one patient was obtained. In this patient the repetition of the fMRI examination after a few hours allowed to perform an adequate study. In all the patients motor tasks revealed regions of activation with a good somatotopical congruence. Language tasks caused activation in the inferior frontal gyrus with very strong left (7 patients) and right (2 patients) lateralization. All the patients are now under multiple follow-up and none has reported any new neurological deficit after the surgery. Conclusion: fMRI is a useful tool in the surgical planning of pediatric patients. The use of very simple and not time consuming tasks makes it possible to perform a fMRI study in young patients after an adequate training.       Questions about this event email: massimo.caulo@itab.unich.it

Cite This Abstract

Caulo MD, M, BOLD-contrast fMRI in the Pre-surgical Mapping of the Brain Cortex in Pediatric Patients with Brain Space Occupying Lesions.  Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3106953.html