scholarly journals Subcortical mapping of calculation processing in the right parietal lobe

2015 ◽  
Vol 122 (5) ◽  
pp. 1038-1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Della Puppa ◽  
Serena De Pellegrin ◽  
Anna Lazzarini ◽  
Giorgio Gioffrè ◽  
Oriela Rustemi ◽  
...  

Preservation of calculation processing in brain surgery is crucial for patients' quality of life. Over the last decade, surgical electrostimulation was used to identify and preserve the cortical areas involved in such processing. Conversely, subcortical connectivity among different areas implicated in this function remains unclear, and the role of surgery in this domain has not been explored so far. The authors present the first 2 cases in which the subcortical functional sites involved in calculation were identified during right parietal lobe surgery. Two patients affected by a glioma located in the right parietal lobe underwent surgery with the aid of MRI neuronavigation. No calculation deficits were detected during preoperative assessment. Cortical and subcortical mapping were performed using a bipolar stimulator. The current intensity was determined by progressively increasing the amplitude by 0.5-mA increments (from a baseline of 1 mA) until a sensorimotor response was elicited. Then, addition and multiplication calculation tasks were administered. Corticectomy was performed according to both the MRI neuronavigation data and the functional findings obtained through cortical mapping. Direct subcortical electrostimulation was repeatedly performed during tumor resection. Subcortical functional sites for multiplication and addition were detected in both patients. Electrostimulation interfered with calculation processing during cortical mapping as well. Functional sites were spared during tumor removal. The postoperative course was uneventful, and calculation processing was preserved. Postoperative MRI showed complete resection of the tumor. The present preliminary study shows for the first time how functional mapping can be a promising method to intraoperatively identify the subcortical functional sites involved in calculation processing. This report therefore supports direct electrical stimulation as a promising tool to improve the current knowledge on calculation processing connectivity.

2013 ◽  
Vol 119 (5) ◽  
pp. 1107-1111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Della Puppa ◽  
Serena De Pellegrin ◽  
Elena d'Avella ◽  
Giorgio Gioffrè ◽  
Marina Munari ◽  
...  

Object The role of parietal areas in number processing is well known. The significance of intraoperative functional mapping of these areas has been only partially explored, however, and only a few discordant data are available in the surgical literature with regard to the right parietal lobe. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of simple calculation in cortical electrostimulation of right-handed patients affected by a right parietal brain tumor. Methods Calculation mapping in awake surgery was performed in 3 right-handed patients affected by high-grade gliomas located in the right parietal lobe. Preoperatively, none of the patients presented with calculation deficits. In all 3 cases, after sensorimotor and language mapping, cortical and intraparietal sulcus areas involved in single-digit multiplication and addition calculations were mapped using bipolar electrostimulation. Results In all patients, different sites of the right parietal cortex, mainly in the inferior lobule, were detected as being specifically related to calculation (multiplication or addition). In 2 patients the intraparietal sulcus was functionally specific for multiplication. No functional sites for language were detected. All sites functional for calculation were spared during tumor resection, which was complete in all cases without postoperative neurological deficits. Conclusions These findings provide intraoperative data in support of an anatomofunctional organization for multiplication and addition within the right parietal area. Furthermore, the study shows the potential clinical relevance of intraoperative mapping of calculation in patients undergoing surgery in the right parietal area. Further and larger studies are needed to confirm these data and assess whether mapped areas are effectively essential for function.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Raffa ◽  
Maria Catena Quattropani ◽  
Giuseppina Marzano ◽  
Antonello Curcio ◽  
Vincenzo Rizzo ◽  
...  

IntroductionThe goal of brain tumor surgery is the maximal resection of neoplastic tissue, while preserving the adjacent functional brain tissues. The identification of functional networks involved in complex brain functions, including visuospatial abilities (VSAs), is usually difficult. We report our preliminary experience using a preoperative planning based on the combination of navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) and DTI tractography to provide the preoperative 3D reconstruction of the visuospatial (VS) cortico-subcortical network in patients with right parietal lobe tumors.Material and MethodsPatients affected by right parietal lobe tumors underwent mapping of both hemispheres using an nTMS-implemented version of the Hooper Visual Organization Test (HVOT) to identify cortical areas involved in the VS network. DTI tractography was used to compute the subcortical component of the network, consisting of the three branches of the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). The 3D reconstruction of the VS network was used to plan and guide the safest surgical approach to resect the tumor and avoid damage to the network. We retrospectively analyzed the cortical distribution of nTMS-induced errors, and assessed the impact of the planning on surgery by analyzing the extent of tumor resection (EOR) and the occurrence of postoperative VSAs deficits in comparison with a matched historical control group of patients operated without using the nTMS-based preoperative reconstruction of the VS network.ResultsTwenty patients were enrolled in the study (Group A). The error rate (ER) induced by nTMS was higher in the right vs. the left hemisphere (p=0.02). In the right hemisphere, the ER was higher in the anterior supramarginal gyrus (aSMG) (1.7%), angular gyrus (1.4%) superior parietal lobule (SPL) (1.3%), and dorsal lateral occipital gyrus (dLoG) (1.2%). The reconstruction of the cortico-subcortical VS network was successfully used to plan and guide tumor resection. A gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 85% of cases. After surgery no new VSAs deficits were observed and a slightly significant improvement of the HVOT score (p=0.02) was documented. The historical control group (Group B) included 20 patients matched for main clinical characteristics with patients in Group A, operated without the support of the nTMS-based planning. A GTR was achieved in 90% of cases, but the postoperative HVOT score resulted to be worsened as compared to the preoperative period (p=0.03). The comparison between groups showed a significantly improved postoperative HVOT score in Group A vs. Group B (p=0.03).ConclusionsThe nTMS-implemented HVOT is a feasible approach to map cortical areas involved in VSAs. It can be combined with DTI tractography, thus providing a reconstruction of the VS network that could guide neurosurgeons to preserve the VS network during tumor resection, thus reducing the occurrence of postoperative VSAs deficits as compared to standard asleep surgery.


2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. E4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Talacchi ◽  
Giovanna Maddalena Squintani ◽  
Barbara Emanuele ◽  
Vincenzo Tramontano ◽  
Barbara Santini ◽  
...  

Object The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of intraoperative visuospatial mapping with the same criteria currently used to define essential language areas. Methods The authors compared surgical procedures in 2 patients with similar tumors (Grade II oligodendroglioma in the right parietal lobe) undergoing awake, image-assisted surgery for lesion removal with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. The line bisection task was used in both patients but with different criteria. Results In the first case, the authors respected any area, even within the tumor, where significant interference was found (a stimulation-induced error in 2 of 3 applications defined an essential area). In the second case, they removed 1 essential area located in the tumor and recorded an uneventful clinical response soon thereafter. They continued to monitor the patient without stimulation and stopped the resection when the patient was close to the criteria valid for defining spatial neglect. The signs of spatial neglect were present for 3 days postoperatively and then cleared spontaneously. Subtotal tumor removal was achieved in both cases. Conclusions Evidence in the present study reveals that areas for visuospatial functions cannot be assessed with the same criteria used for language functions, since essential areas located in the tumor can be safely removed.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Hawes ◽  
H Moriah Sokolowski ◽  
Chuka Bosah Ononye ◽  
Daniel Ansari

Where and under what conditions do spatial and numerical skills converge and diverge in the brain? To address this question, we conducted a meta-analysis of brain regions associated with basic symbolic number processing, arithmetic, and mental rotation. We used Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) to construct quantitative meta-analytic maps synthesizing results from 86 neuroimaging papers (~ 30 studies/cognitive process). All three cognitive processes were found to activate bilateral parietal regions in and around the intraparietal sulcus (IPS); a finding consistent with shared processing accounts. Numerical and arithmetic processing were associated with overlap in the left angular gyrus, whereas mental rotation and arithmetic both showed activity in the middle frontal gyri. These patterns suggest regions of cortex potentially more specialized for symbolic number representation and domain-general mental manipulation, respectively. Additionally, arithmetic was associated with unique activity throughout the fronto-parietal network and mental rotation was associated with unique activity in the right superior parietal lobe. Overall, these results provide new insights into the intersection of numerical and spatial thought in the human brain.


2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. R349-R366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Zabkiewicz ◽  
Jeyna Resaul ◽  
Rachel Hargest ◽  
Wen Guo Jiang ◽  
Lin Ye

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) belong to the TGF-β super family, and are essential for the regulation of foetal development, tissue differentiation and homeostasis and a multitude of cellular functions. Naturally, this has led to the exploration of aberrance in this highly regulated system as a key factor in tumourigenesis. Originally identified for their role in osteogenesis and bone turnover, attention has been turned to the potential role of BMPs in tumour metastases to, and progression within, the bone niche. This is particularly pertinent to breast cancer, which commonly metastasises to bone, and in which studies have revealed aberrations of both BMP expression and signalling, which correlate clinically with breast cancer progression. Ultimately a BMP profile could provide new prognostic disease markers. As the evidence suggests a role for BMPs in regulating breast tumour cellular function, in particular interactions with tumour stroma and the bone metastatic microenvironment, there may be novel therapeutic potential in targeting BMP signalling in breast cancer. This review provides an update on the current knowledge of BMP abnormalities and their implication in the development and progression of breast cancer, particularly in the disease-specific bone metastasis.


2021 ◽  
pp. 155005942199168
Author(s):  
Yuji Yamada ◽  
Takuma Inagawa ◽  
Naotsugu Hirabayashi ◽  
Tomiki Sumiyoshi

Background. Social cognition deficits are a core feature of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and mood disorder, and deteriorate the functionality of patients. However, no definite strategy has been established to treat social cognition (eg, emotion recognition) impairments in these illnesses. Here, we provide a systematic review of the literature regarding transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for the treatment of social cognition deficits in individuals with psychiatric disorders. Methods. A literature search was conducted on English articles identified by PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases, according to the guidelines of the PRISMA statement. We defined the inclusion criteria as follows: (1) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), (2) targeting patients with psychiatric disorders (included in F20-F39 of the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems [ICD-10]), (3) evaluating the effect of tDCS or rTMS, (4) reporting at least one standardized social cognition test. Results. Five papers (3 articles on tDCS and 2 articles on rTMS) met the inclusion criteria which deal with schizophrenia or depression. The significant effects of tDCS or rTMS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on the emotion recognition domain were reported in patients with schizophrenia or depression. In addition, rTMS on the right inferior parietal lobe was shown to ameliorate social perception impairments of schizophrenia. Conclusions. tDCS and rTMS may enhance some domains of social cognition in patients with psychiatric disorders. Further research is warranted to identify optimal parameters to maximize the cognitive benefits of these neuromodulation methods.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii460-iii460
Author(s):  
Mayuko Miyata ◽  
Masahiro Nonaka ◽  
Akio Asai

Abstract BACKGROUND If new lesions are observed during follow-up of the malignant tumor after treatment, it is difficult to distinguish whether the tumor is a recurrent lesion, secondary cancer, or radiation necrosis of the brain. We have encountered a patient with symptomatic radiation necrosis of the cerebellum 16 years after treatment of medulloblastoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old man who had received a tumor resection and chemoradiotherapy for cerebellar medulloblastoma at the age of 8 presented with dizziness. For the past 16 years, there was no recurrence of the tumor. He subsequently underwent MRI scan, and T1-Gd image showed enhanced lesion in the right cerebellar peduncle. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology analysis was negative for tumor. We suspected tumor reccurence or secondary cancer, and performed lesion biopsy. The result of the pathological examination was radiation necrosis of the cerebellum. DISCUSSION: The interval of radiation necrosis of the brain and radiotherapy can vary from months to more than 10 years. So, whenever a new lesion is identified, radiation brain necrosis must be envisioned. According to guidelines in Japan, there is no absolute examination for discriminating tumor recurrence from radiation brain necrosis and diagnosis by biopsy may be required. CONCLUSION We experienced a case of symptomatic radiation necrosis of the cerebellum 16 years after treatment. In patients showing new lesion after long periods of time, the possibility of radiation necrosis to be considered.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 354
Author(s):  
Kyoung Lee ◽  
Sang Yoo ◽  
Eun Ji ◽  
Woo Hwang ◽  
Yeun Yoo ◽  
...  

Lateropulsion (pusher syndrome) is an important barrier to standing and gait after stroke. Although several studies have attempted to elucidate the relationship between brain lesions and lateropulsion, the effects of specific brain lesions on the development of lateropulsion remain unclear. Thus, the present study investigated the effects of stroke lesion location and size on lateropulsion in right hemisphere stroke patients. The present retrospective cross-sectional observational study assessed 50 right hemisphere stroke patients. Lateropulsion was diagnosed and evaluated using the Scale for Contraversive Pushing (SCP). Voxel-based lesion symptom mapping (VLSM) analysis with 3T-MRI was used to identify the culprit lesion for SCP. We also performed VLSM controlling for lesion volume as a nuisance covariate, in a multivariate model that also controlled for other factors contributing to pusher behavior. VLSM, combined with statistical non-parametric mapping (SnPM), identified the specific region with SCP. Lesion size was associated with lateropulsion. The precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, insula and subgyral parietal lobe of the right hemisphere seemed to be associated with the lateropulsion; however, after adjusting for lesion volume as a nuisance covariate, no lesion areas were associated with the SCP scores. The size of the right hemisphere lesion was the only factor most strongly associated with lateropulsion in patients with stroke. These results may be useful for planning rehabilitation strategies of restoring vertical posture and understanding the pathophysiology of lateropulsion in stroke patients.


BMC Surgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuan Wang ◽  
Wenqiong Xin ◽  
Yi Ji

Abstract Background Neuroblastoma is the most common malignant extracranial solid tumor in pediatrics patients. Intraoperative hyperthermia is extremely rare in patients with neuroblastoma and can cause a series of complications. Here, we represent a case of neuroblastoma accompanied by hyperthermia during anesthesia, and propose a rational explanation and management options. Case presentation The patient had gait disturbance and sitting-related pain without fever. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a soft tissue mass located in the right posterior mediastinum, paravertebral space and canalis vertebralis. Serum tumor marker screening showed that the patient had increased epinephrine, norepinephrine and neuron specific enolase levels, with an increased 24 hour urine vanillylmandelic acid level. Intraspinal tumor resection was conducted. The temperature of the patient rapidly arose to 40.1 °C over 10 minutes when waiting for tracheal extubation. The arterial gas analysis results indicated malignant hyperthermia was less likely, and dantrolene was not administered. Physical cooling methods were used, and the temperature dropped to 38.6 ℃. The trachea was successfully extubated. Histological results confirmed the diagnosis of neuroblastoma. Conclusions Hyperthermia during anesthesia is a serious adverse event. Catecholamines secreted from neuroblatoma cells can lead to hypermetabolism and hyperthermia. Surgeons and anesthesiologists should be aware of the possibility of hyperthermia in patients with neuroblastoma.


Author(s):  
Akylbek Sydykov ◽  
Argen Mamazhakypov ◽  
Abdirashit Maripov ◽  
Djuro Kosanovic ◽  
Norbert Weissmann ◽  
...  

Alveolar hypoxia is the most prominent feature of high altitude environment with well-known consequences for the cardio-pulmonary system, including development of pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension due to an exaggerated hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction contributes to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a life-threatening disorder, occurring at high altitudes in non-acclimatized healthy individuals. Despite a strong physiologic rationale for using vasodilators for prevention and treatment of HAPE, no systematic studies of their efficacy have been conducted to date. Calcium-channel blockers are currently recommended for drug prophylaxis in high-risk individuals with a clear history of recurrent HAPE based on the extensive clinical experience with nifedipine in HAPE prevention in susceptible individuals. Chronic exposure to hypoxia induces pulmonary vascular remodeling and development of pulmonary hypertension, which places an increased pressure load on the right ventricle leading to right heart failure. Further, pulmonary hypertension along with excessive erythrocytosis may complicate chronic mountain sickness, another high altitude maladaptation disorder. Importantly, other causes than hypoxia may potentially underlie and/or contribute to pulmonary hypertension at high altitude, such as chronic heart and lung diseases, thrombotic or embolic diseases. Extensive clinical experience with drugs in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension suggests their potential for treatment of high altitude pulmonary hypertension. Small studies have demonstrated their efficacy in reducing pulmonary artery pressure in high altitude residents. However, no drugs have been approved to date for the therapy of chronic high altitude pulmonary hypertension. This work provides a literature review on the role of pulmonary hypertension in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic high altitude maladaptation disorders and summarizes current knowledge regarding potential treatment options.


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