Sub‐patterns of language network reorganization in pediatric localization related epilepsy: A multisite study

Abstract

To study the neural networks reorganization in pediatric epilepsy, a consortium of imaging centers was established to collect functional imaging data. Common paradigms and similar acquisition parameters were used. We studied 122 children (64 control and 58 LRE patients) across five sites using EPI BOLD fMRI and an auditory description decision task. After normalization to the MNI atlas, activation maps generated by FSL were separated into three sub-groups using a distance method in the principal component analysis (PCA)-based decisional space. Three activation patterns were identified: (1) the typical distributed network expected for task in left inferior frontal gyrus (Broca’s) and along left superior temporal gyrus (Wernicke’s) (60 controls, 35 patients); (2) a variant left dominant pattern with greater activation in IFG, mesial left frontal lobe, and right cerebellum (three controls, 15 patients); and (3) activation in the right counterparts of the first pattern in Broca’s area (one control, eight patients). Patients were over represented in Groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.0004). There were no scanner (P = 0.4) or site effects (P = 0.6). Our data-driven method for fMRI activation pattern separation is independent of a priori notions and bias inherent in region of interest and visual analyses. In addition to the anticipated atypical right dominant activation pattern, a sub-pattern was identified that involved intensity and extent differences of activation within the distributed left hemisphere language processing network. These findings suggest a different, perhaps less efficient, cognitive strategy for LRE group to perform the task.

Scalp EEG brain functional connectivity networks in pediatric epilepsy

“…With the exponential increase in the number of connectivity studies in patients with epilepsy, different changes in the topology of the FCN constructed using different network measurements were reported, however few studies [23,58] examine the changes in FCN's of pediatric populations. The other important reason to focus on this population was the finding in [12] which supports that regular treatment of epilepsy may or may not treat childhood epilepsy.…”

Age association of language task induced deactivation induced in a pediatric population

“…The MRI data were acquired as control data for the Multi-Site Pediatric Network for fMRI Mapping in Childhood Epilepsy consortium (You et al, 2011). Both sites used the same model of scanner (Siemens 3 T Trio) and identical imaging parameters, and a study utilizing the same datasets demonstrated minimal data differences across sites and scanners (You et al, 2011). Standard Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) tests were scheduled, but not enforced (to facilitate participant recruitment), for all subjects in order to collect the IQ scores.…”

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging for Brainnetome: A critical review

“…Many researchers have tried to investigate the reproducibility and reliability of the acquired networks through different imaging protocols [139,149,150] , different imaging sites [151,152] , and different parameters for constructing networks [19,153] . However, this is still an open question for the Brainnetome era [12] .…”