Deformable anatomic templates embed knowledge into brain images: Part 2. Validation using functional magnetic resonance imaging of the motor hand

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the concordance between the Deformable Anatomic Template (DAT)-identified origin of motor hand fibers and localization of the motor cortex of the hand by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). METHODS: Preoperative fMRI during hand motor tasks was performed on 36 hemispheres in 26 patients with gliomas in or near eloquent areas. Reformatted volume-rendered surface images were labeled with the DAT's hand motor fibers and fMRI data. Five reviewers assessed the data for concordance. RESULTS: Available fMRI data were diagnostically usable in 92% (33/36 analyzed hemispheres), with DAT anatomic accuracy in the remaining cases. The DAT prediction and fMRI findings were concordant in all 9 normal hemispheres and in 20 (83%) of 24 glioma-bearing hemispheres. The 4 discordant cases resulted from substantial mass effect by large frontal tumors. CONCLUSIONS: This study validated DAT's anatomic atlas and alignment process for the expected position of the motor cortex of the hand. © 2012 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.