E3354. Identifying Primary Motor Cortex on Routine and Advanced Imaging: A Guide for Trainees
Authors
Rajeev Subu;
Medical University of South Carolina
Tushar Chandra;
Nemours Children's Hospital
Purabi Sonowal;
Medical University of South Carolina
Background
Identifying the primary motor cortex (M1) is important for evaluating involvement by disease processes and pre-neurosurgical planning.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
The primary aim of this educational exhibit is to make trainees aware of identifying M1 with both routine and advanced imaging techniques. A secondary aim is to highlight examples of different diseases involving M1 with imaging examples and diagnostic clues.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
There are different anatomic landmarks that help identify M1 on gross anatomy and radiology images. Different disease processes can involve this area and can be diagnosed with clinical and imaging appearances. Functional MRI (fMRI) adds value in identifying those areas and involvement by disease processes.
Conclusion
Localization of the M1 is important for presurgical planning and decision-making. When sulcal anatomic landmarks are insufficient, fMRI is a reliable, noninvasive method for accurate presurgical localization of the primary motor cortex. In addition to fMRI, DTI can provide useful information about the descending pathways from M1, information that may be critical for surgical decision-making.
