A Sensitive Diffusion Tensor Imaging Quantification Method to Detect Language Laterality in Children

Using diffusion tensor imaging tractography and color-coded anisotropy map quantification, we investigated asymmetry of the arcuate fasciculus to determine language laterality in children and compared it with the Wada test. Arcuate fasciculus volume and fractional anisotropy were measured after tractography. We also quantified the fiber orientation distribution in the arcuate fasciculus region, ie, the fraction of arcuate fasciculus fibers oriented in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. A Laterality Index was calculated for each of the measured parameters. Volumetric analysis of the arcuate fasciculus showed asymmetry favoring the language dominant hemisphere (P = .02), while fractional anisotropy showed no significant asymmetry (P = .07). The mean anteroposterior and mediolateral components on the language dominant side were significantly higher than on the nondominant side (P = .003 and .002, respectively). The Laterality Index values were concordant with the Wada test results except for 1 case. Fractional anisotropy also falsely lateralized language in 1 case.