ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the application value of arcuate fasciculus diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) combined with neuronavigation in epilepsy surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis of 24 patients with refractory epilepsy, admitted to our hospital from March 2011 to March 2014, was performed; the epileptic foci of these patients were adjacent to the language functional areas conformed by imaging before operation. Surgical resection was performed with the help of arcuate fasciculus of DTI, diffusion tensor fiber tracking (DT-FT) combined with neuronavigation. The surgical efficacy and language function of the patients were evaluated by Engel classification and Verbal Behavior Assessment Scale (VerBAS) at postoperative follow-up. Results During the follow-up from 12 to 47 months, according to Engel classification, in 7 patients with foci adjacent to Broca area, Engel grade I was achieved in 3, Engel grade II in 3 and Engel grade Ⅲ in one; and in 17 patients with foci adjacent to Wernicke area, seizure control was as follows: Engel grade I was noted in 13, Engel grade II in 2 and Engel grade III in 2. No perpetual language dysfunction after operation was noted in all the patients. Conclusion Arcuate fasciculus DTI combined with intraoperative neuronavigation has very high application value in the epilepsy surgery.