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Serrano-Sponton L, Lange F, Dauth A, Krenzlin H, Perez A, Januschek E, Schumann S, Jussen D, Czabanka M, Ringel F, Keric N, Gonzalez-Escamilla G. Harnessing the frontal aslant tract's structure to assess its involvement in cognitive functions: new insights from 7-T diffusion imaging. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17455. [PMID: 39075100 PMCID: PMC11286763 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67013-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The first therapeutical goal followed by neurooncological surgeons dealing with prefrontal gliomas is attempting supramarginal tumor resection preserving relevant neurological function. Therefore, advanced knowledge of the frontal aslant tract (FAT) functional neuroanatomy in high-order cognitive domains beyond language and speech processing would help refine neurosurgeries, predicting possible relevant cognitive adverse events and maximizing the surgical efficacy. To this aim we performed the recently developed correlational tractography analyses to evaluate the possible relationship between FAT's microstructural properties and cognitive functions in 27 healthy subjects having ultra-high-field (7-Tesla) diffusion MRI. We independently assessed FAT segments innervating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (dlPFC-FAT) and the supplementary motor area (SMA-FAT). FAT microstructural robustness, measured by the tract's quantitative anisotropy (QA), was associated with a better performance in episodic memory, visuospatial orientation, cognitive processing speed and fluid intelligence but not sustained selective attention tests. Overall, the percentual tract volume showing an association between QA-index and improved cognitive scores (pQACV) was higher in the SMA-FAT compared to the dlPFC-FAT segment. This effect was right-lateralized for verbal episodic memory and fluid intelligence and bilateralized for visuospatial orientation and cognitive processing speed. Our results provide novel evidence for a functional specialization of the FAT beyond the known in language and speech processing, particularly its involvement in several higher-order cognitive domains. In light of these findings, further research should be encouraged to focus on neurocognitive deficits and their impact on patient outcomes after FAT damage, especially in the context of glioma surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Serrano-Sponton
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sana Clinic Offenbach, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main Academic Hospitals, Starkenburgring 66, 63069, Offenbach am Main, Germany
| | - Felipa Lange
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeck Str. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alice Dauth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeck Str. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Harald Krenzlin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeck Str. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ana Perez
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital HF, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elke Januschek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sana Clinic Offenbach, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main Academic Hospitals, Starkenburgring 66, 63069, Offenbach am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Schumann
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 13, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Jussen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marcus Czabanka
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Florian Ringel
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeck Str. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Naureen Keric
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeck Str. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gabriel Gonzalez-Escamilla
- Movement Disorders and Neurostimulation, Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, Rhine Main Neuroscience Network, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeck Str. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
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Chiang H, Mudar RA, Dugas CS, Motes MA, Kraut MA, Hart J. A modified neural circuit framework for semantic memory retrieval with implications for circuit modulation to treat verbal retrieval deficits. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3490. [PMID: 38680077 PMCID: PMC11056716 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Word finding difficulty is a frequent complaint in older age and disease states, but treatment options are lacking for such verbal retrieval deficits. Better understanding of the neurophysiological and neuroanatomical basis of verbal retrieval function may inform effective interventions. In this article, we review the current evidence of a neural retrieval circuit central to verbal production, including words and semantic memory, that involves the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA), striatum (particularly caudate nucleus), and thalamus. We aim to offer a modified neural circuit framework expanded upon a memory retrieval model proposed in 2013 by Hart et al., as evidence from electrophysiological, functional brain imaging, and noninvasive electrical brain stimulation studies have provided additional pieces of information that converge on a shared neural circuit for retrieval of memory and words. We propose that both the left inferior frontal gyrus and fronto-polar regions should be included in the expanded circuit. All these regions have their respective functional roles during verbal retrieval, such as selection and inhibition during search, initiation and termination of search, maintenance of co-activation across cortical regions, as well as final activation of the retrieved information. We will also highlight the structural connectivity from and to the pre-SMA (e.g., frontal aslant tract and fronto-striatal tract) that facilitates communication between the regions within this circuit. Finally, we will discuss how this circuit and its correlated activity may be affected by disease states and how this circuit may serve as a novel target engagement for neuromodulatory treatment of verbal retrieval deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh‐Sheng Chiang
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
- School of Behavioral and Brain SciencesThe University of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Raksha A. Mudar
- Department of Speech and Hearing ScienceUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignChampaignIllinoisUSA
| | - Christine S. Dugas
- School of Behavioral and Brain SciencesThe University of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Michael A. Motes
- School of Behavioral and Brain SciencesThe University of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Michael A. Kraut
- Department of Radiology and Radiological ScienceJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - John Hart
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
- School of Behavioral and Brain SciencesThe University of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
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Elkhooly M, Bao F, Raghib M, Millis S, Bernitsas E. Role of white matter in cognitive impairment among relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 79:105030. [PMID: 37837669 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple Sclerosis (MS) associated cognitive impairment is believed to be mostly connected with damage to gray matter. The contribution of white matter is still poorly understood. We aim to examine the relationship between cognition and white matter tracts among relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) patients. METHODS Thirty RRMS patients were selected undergo the (3-seconds-interstimulus-interval paced auditory serial addition test) PASAT-3, the (symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) and full-brain MRI scans on a SIEMENS 3 Tesla Verio scanner. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) parameters, such as fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were examined in 37 white matter (WM) tracts. WM tracts were selected from the association pathways, projection pathways, commissural pathways by applying Human Connectome project (HCP)842 tractography atlas after DTI data reconstruction and registration to HCP1065 diffusion template in DSI Studio (version March 2021) In SPSS v26, Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used to examine the connection between DTI WM tracts and cognitive scores. The power of the study was increased by using false discovery rate (FDR) software. RESULTS The mean scores on the PASAT-3 and SDMT were 31.5 ± 12.8 and 46.9 ± 16.7 respectively. Better cognitive performance was correlated to higher FA values, while lower cognitive function was correlated to higher MD values. There was a positive correlation between FA values in the right medial lemniscus and superior cerebellar peduncle and SDMT scores (p 0.05). Additionally, there was a trend for significance between the FA values in the left corticothalamic tract and SDMT scores. MD values in the superior cerebellar peduncle, left arcuate Fasciculus and left extreme capsule were negatively correlated with SDMT scores (p<0.05). PASAT-3 scores were negatively correlated with MD values in the right cerebellum, however, there was no significant correlation between PASAT-3 and FA values. CONCLUSIONS White matter tracts, particularly the superior cerebellar peduncle, contribute to the cognitive impairment in RRMS. Larger sample sizes for longitudinal research are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Elkhooly
- Neurology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Fen Bao
- Neurology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Muhammad Raghib
- Neurology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Scott Millis
- Neurology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Rofes A, Beran M, Jonkers R, Geerlings MI, Vonk JMJ. What Drives Task Performance in Animal Fluency in Individuals Without Dementia? The SMART-MR Study. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023; 66:3473-3485. [PMID: 37494924 PMCID: PMC10558141 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-22-00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we aim to understand whether and how performance in animal fluency (i.e., total correct word count) relates to linguistic levels and/or executive functions by looking at sequence information and item-level metrics (i.e., clusters, switches, and word properties). METHOD Seven hundred thirty-one Dutch-speaking individuals without dementia from the Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease-Magnetic Resonance study responded to an animal fluency task (120 s). We obtained cluster size and number of switches for the task, and eight different word properties for each correct word produced. We detected variables that determine total word count with random forests, and used conditional inference trees to assess points along the scales of such variables, at which total word count changes significantly. RESULTS Number of switches, average cluster size, lexical decision response times, word frequency, and concreteness determined total correct word count in animal fluency. People who produced more correct words produced more switches and bigger clusters. People who produced fewer words produced fewer switches and more frequent words. CONCLUSIONS Concurrent with existing literature, individuals without dementia rely on language and executive functioning to produce words in animal fluency. The novelty of our work is that such results were shown based on a data-driven approach using sequence information and item-level metrics. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23713269.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrià Rofes
- Center for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG), University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Magdalena Beran
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Roel Jonkers
- Center for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG), University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam I. Geerlings
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Aging & Later life, and Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, the Netherlands
- Neurodegeneration, and Mood, Anxiety, Psychosis, Stress, and Sleep, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, the Netherlands
| | - Jet M. J. Vonk
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, the Netherlands
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco
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Catena Baudo M, Villamil F, Paolinelli PS, Domenech NC, Cervio A, Ferrara LA, Bendersky M. Frontal Aslant Tract and Its Role in Language: A Journey Through Tractographies and Dissections. World Neurosurg 2023; 173:e738-e747. [PMID: 36889642 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.02.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frontal aslant tract (FAT) is a bilateral tract located within each frontal lobe. It connects the supplementary motor area in the superior frontal gyrus with the pars opercularis in the inferior frontal gyrus. There is a new and broader conceptualization of this tract called the extended FAT (eFAT). The eFAT tract role is believed to be related to several brain functions, including verbal fluency as one of its main domains. METHODS Tractographies were performed by using DSI Studio software on a template of 1065 healthy human brains. The tract was observed in a three-dimensional plane. The Laterality Index was calculated based on the length, volume, and diameter of fibers. A t test was performed to verify the statistical significance of global asymmetry. The results were compared with cadaveric dissections performed according to the Klingler technique. An illustrative case enlightens the neurosurgical application of this anatomic knowledge. RESULTS The eFAT communicates the superior frontal gyrus with the Broca area (within the left hemisphere) or its contralateral homotopic area within the nondominant hemisphere. We measured the commisural fibers, traced cingulate, striatal, and insular connections and showed the existence of new frontal projections as part of the main structure. The tract did not show a significant asymmetry between the hemispheres. CONCLUSIONS The tract was successfully reconstructed, focusing on its morphology and anatomic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Catena Baudo
- Living Anatomy Laboratory, Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Facundo Villamil
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy, Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Neurosurgery, Microsurgical Neuroanatomy Laboratory, FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Sebastían Paolinelli
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy, Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Cristian Domenech
- Living Anatomy Laboratory, Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andres Cervio
- Department of Neurosurgery, FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía Alba Ferrara
- ENyS (Studies in Neurosciences and Complex Systems), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Psicology Department, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Bendersky
- Living Anatomy Laboratory, Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; ENyS (Studies in Neurosciences and Complex Systems), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina; National University A. Jauretche (UNAJ), El Cruce Hospital Néstor Kirchner, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Shekari E, Nozari N. A narrative review of the anatomy and function of the white matter tracts in language production and comprehension. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1139292. [PMID: 37051488 PMCID: PMC10083342 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1139292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Much is known about the role of cortical areas in language processing. The shift towards network approaches in recent years has highlighted the importance of uncovering the role of white matter in connecting these areas. However, despite a large body of research, many of these tracts' functions are not well-understood. We present a comprehensive review of the empirical evidence on the role of eight major tracts that are hypothesized to be involved in language processing (inferior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, uncinate fasciculus, extreme capsule, middle longitudinal fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus, arcuate fasciculus, and frontal aslant tract). For each tract, we hypothesize its role based on the function of the cortical regions it connects. We then evaluate these hypotheses with data from three sources: studies in neurotypical individuals, neuropsychological data, and intraoperative stimulation studies. Finally, we summarize the conclusions supported by the data and highlight the areas needing further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Shekari
- Department of Neuroscience, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazbanou Nozari
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC), Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Gallet C, Clavreul A, Bernard F, Menei P, Lemée JM. Frontal aslant tract in the non-dominant hemisphere: A systematic review of anatomy, functions, and surgical applications. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:1025866. [DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.1025866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of both the spatial organization and functions of white-matter fiber tracts is steadily increasing. We report here the anatomy and functions of the frontal aslant tract (FAT) in the non-dominant hemisphere (usually the right hemisphere). Despite the structural symmetry between the right and left FAT, these two tracts seem to display functional asymmetry, with several brain functions in common, but others, such as visuospatial and social cognition, music processing, shifting attention or working memory, more exclusively associated with the right FAT. Further studies are required to determine whether damage to the right FAT causes permanent cognitive impairment. Such studies will constitute the best means of testing whether this tract is a critical pathway that must be taken into account during neurosurgical procedures and the essential tasks to be incorporated into intraoperative monitoring during awake craniotomy.
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Isella V, Licciardo D, Ferri F, Crivellaro C, Morzenti S, Appollonio I, Ferrarese C. Reduced phonemic fluency in progressive supranuclear palsy is due to dysfunction of dominant BA6. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:969875. [PMID: 36158541 PMCID: PMC9492952 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.969875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reduced phonemic fluency is extremely frequent in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), but its neural correlate is yet to be defined. Objective We explored the hypothesis that poor fluency in PSP might be due to neurodegeneration within a dominant frontal circuit known to be involved in speech fluency, including the opercular area, the superior frontal cortex (BA6), and the frontal aslant tract connecting these two regions. Methods We correlated performance on a letter fluency task (F, A, and S, 60 s for each letter) with brain metabolism as measured with Fluoro-deoxy-glucose Positron Emission Tomography, using Statistical Parametric Mapping, in 31 patients with PSP. Results Reduced letter fluency was associated with significant hypometabolism at the level of left BA6. Conclusion Our finding is the first evidence that in PSP, as in other neurogical disorders, poor self-initiated, effortful verbal retrieval appears to be linked to dysfunction of the dominant opercular-aslant-BA6 circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Isella
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Milan Center for Neurosciences, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Licciardo
- Milan Center for Neurosciences, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferri
- Milan Center for Neurosciences, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | | | | | - Ildebrando Appollonio
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Milan Center for Neurosciences, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrarese
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Milan Center for Neurosciences, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
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Burkhardt E, Kinoshita M, Herbet G. Functional anatomy of the frontal aslant tract and surgical perspectives. J Neurosurg Sci 2021; 65:566-580. [PMID: 33870673 DOI: 10.23736/s0390-5616.21.05344-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The frontal aslant tract (FAT) is an intralobar white matter fasciculus providing dense connections between the medial part of the superior frontal gyrus, in particular the pre-supplementary motor area (SMA) and the SMA proper, and the lateral part of the frontal lobe, especially the inferior frontal gyrus. Although this tract has been characterized belatedly, it has received important attention in recent years due notably to its increasingly evidenced role in the speech and language networks. As cerebral tumors frequently affect the frontal lobe, an improved knowledge of the functional anatomy of the FAT is mandatory to refine the way neurosurgeries are performed and to give the patients the best opportunities to recover after surgery. In this work, we first describe the spatial arrangement of the FAT and detail its cortical projections. We then provide a comprehensive review of the functions supposedly mediated by this transverse frontal connectivity. It is structured following a tripartite organization where the linguistic (i.e. speech and language), supralinguistic (i.e. functions that interact with speech and language: executive functions, working memory, and social communication) and extralinguistic implications (i.e. functions outside the linguistic domain: visuospatial processing, praxis and motor skills) are successively addressed. We lastly discussed this knowledge in the context of wide-awake neurosurgeries for brain tumors. We emphasize the need to evaluate thoroughly the functions conveyed by FAT by means of longitudinally-designed studies to first estimate its plasticity potential and then to determine which tasks should be selected to avoid lasting impairments due to its disconnective breakdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eléonor Burkhardt
- Praxiling, CNRS UMR 5267, Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 University, Montpellier, France
| | - Masashi Kinoshita
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Guillaume Herbet
- University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR5203, INSERM U1191, Institute of Functional Genomics, Montpellier, France - .,Department of Neurosurgery, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Montpellier University Medical Center, Montpellier, France
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La Corte E, Eldahaby D, Greco E, Aquino D, Bertolini G, Levi V, Ottenhausen M, Demichelis G, Romito LM, Acerbi F, Broggi M, Schiariti MP, Ferroli P, Bruzzone MG, Serrao G. The Frontal Aslant Tract: A Systematic Review for Neurosurgical Applications. Front Neurol 2021; 12:641586. [PMID: 33732210 PMCID: PMC7959833 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.641586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The frontal aslant tract (FAT) is a recently identified white matter tract connecting the supplementary motor complex and lateral superior frontal gyrus to the inferior frontal gyrus. Advancements in neuroimaging and refinements to anatomical dissection techniques of the human brain white matter contributed to the recent description of the FAT anatomical and functional connectivity and its role in the pathogenesis of several neurological, psychiatric, and neurosurgical disorders. Through the application of diffusion tractography and intraoperative electrical brain stimulation, the FAT was shown to have a role in speech and language functions (verbal fluency, initiation and inhibition of speech, sentence production, and lexical decision), working memory, visual–motor activities, orofacial movements, social community tasks, attention, and music processing. Microstructural alterations of the FAT have also been associated with neurological disorders, such as primary progressive aphasia, post-stroke aphasia, stuttering, Foix–Chavany–Marie syndrome, social communication deficit in autism spectrum disorders, and attention–deficit hyperactivity disorder. We provide a systematic review of the current literature about the FAT anatomical connectivity and functional roles. Specifically, the aim of the present study relies on providing an overview for practical neurosurgical applications for the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative assessment of patients with brain tumors located around and within the FAT. Moreover, some useful tests are suggested for the neurosurgical evaluation of FAT integrity to plan a safer surgery and to reduce post-operative deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele La Corte
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Eldahaby
- San Paolo Medical School, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Greco
- San Paolo Medical School, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Aquino
- Neuroradiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Bertolini
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Levi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Malte Ottenhausen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Greta Demichelis
- Neuroradiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Michele Romito
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Acerbi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Morgan Broggi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Paolo Schiariti
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ferroli
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Bruzzone
- Neuroradiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Graziano Serrao
- San Paolo Medical School, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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