Abstract
ObjectThis study investigates the effect of tumor location on alterations of language network by brain tumors at different locations using blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) fMRI and group independent component analysis (ICA).Subjects and MethodsBOLD fMRI data were obtained from 43 right handed brain tumor patients. Presurgical mapping of language areas was performed on all 43 patients with a picture naming task. All data were retrospectively analyzed using group ICA. Patents were divided into three groups based on tumor locations, i.e., left frontal region, left temporal region or right hemisphere. Laterality index (LI) was used to assess language lateralization in each group.ResultsThe results from BOLD fMRI and ICA revealed the different language activation patterns in patients with brain tumors located in different brain regions. Language areas, such as Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas, were intact in patients with tumors in the right hemisphere. Significant functional changes were observed in patients with tumor in the left frontal and temporal areas. More specifically, the tumors in the left frontal region affect both Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas, while tumors in the left temporal lobe affect mainly Wernicke’s area. The compensated activation increase was observed in the right frontal areas in patients with left hemisphere tumors.ConclusionGroup ICA provides a model free alternative approach for mapping functional networks in brain tumor patients. Altered language activation by different tumor locations suggested reorganization of language functions in brain tumor patients and may help better understanding of the language plasticity.
Highlights
Blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging is widely used in presurgical planning for brain tumor resection [1,2] to non-invasively determine functional brain regions so that operable margins can be defined
The results from BOLD functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and independent component analysis (ICA) revealed the different language activation patterns in patients with brain tumors located in different brain regions
The current study is to examine the functional reorganization of language areas in brain tumor patients with different tumor locations using group ICA
Summary
Blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is widely used in presurgical planning for brain tumor resection [1,2] to non-invasively determine functional brain regions so that operable margins can be defined. In addition to assessing the potential risk of functional impairment associated with surgery, the important question for presurgical mapping of language areas of brain tumor patients is whether language areas are displaced due to the presence of a tumor that presses normal tissues, especially large tumors invading adjacent areas. This can be challenging as the substantial reorganization of functional areas may take place during the growth of tumor. Mapping of the eloquent brain structures of tumor patients, e.g. language network, may provide critical insights on the mechanism of functional reorganization and brain plasticity
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