Lesion network mapping predicts post-stroke behavioural deficits and improves localization

We read with great interest the recent article by Salvalaggio and colleagues comparing the ability of different lesion mapping techniques to predict post-stroke behavioural deficits.1 The authors have been pioneers in this area and previously developed a principal components analysis (PCA)/ridge-regression approach to predict behavioural deficits from lesion location2 and from resting state functional connectivity data obtained in patients after their stroke.3 In their recent paper, Salvalaggioet al. test whether this method can predict behaviour scores based on connectivity with the lesion location generated using normative connectomes. Specifically, they use a normative structural connectome to generate structural disconnection (SDC) maps4 and a normative functional connectome to generate a functional disconnection map (FDC). The latter technique is meant to emulate the lesion network mapping approach used by our laboratory5-7 and many others.8-16 The authors conclude that lesion location, SDC, and resting state functional connectivity MRI (rs-fcMRI) from the patients themselves all have value in predicting behavioural deficits, but that ‘indirect estimation of functional disconnection did not predict behavioural deficits’.

Source: Brain - April 26, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research