Lesion symptom mapping of domain-specific cognitive impairments using routine imaging in stroke. (12th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moore, Margaret Jane; Demeyere, Nele
• Is Part Of: Neuropsychologia. Number 167(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03-12
• Subjects: Cognitive screening -- Stroke -- Lesion symptom mapping -- Neuropsychological assessment -- Clinical imaging; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Neuropsychologie -- Périodiques; Neuropsychology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108159
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-3932

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: This large-scale lesion-symptom mapping study investigates the necessary neuro-anatomical substrates of 5 cognitive domains frequently affected post stroke: Language, Attention, Praxis, Number, and Memory. This study aims to demonstrate the validity of using routine clinical brain imaging and standard bedside cognitive screening data from a large, real-world patient cohort for lesion-symptom mapping. Patients and methods: Behavioural cognitive screening data from the Oxford Cognitive Screen and routine clinical neuroimaging from 573 acute patients was used in voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping analyses. Patients were classed as impaired or not on each of the subtests within 5 cognitive domains. Results: Distinct patterns of lesion damage were associated with different domains. Language functions were associated with damage to left hemisphere fronto-temporal areas. Visuo-spatial functions were associated with damage to posterior occipital areas (Visual Field) and the right temporo-parietal region (Visual Neglect). Different memory impairments were linked to distinct voxel clusters within the left insular and opercular cortices. Deficits which were not associated with localised voxels (e.g. executive function, praxis) represent distributed, bilateral functions. Discussion: The standardised, brief Oxford Cognitive Screen was able to reliably differentiate distinct neural correlates critically involved in supporting domain-specific cognitive abilities. Conclusion: By demonstrating and replicating known brain anatomy correlates within real-life clinical cohorts using routinely collected scans and standard bedside screens, we open up VLSM techniques to a wealth of clinically relevant studies which can capitalise on using existing clinical data. Highlights: Domain specific cognitive screening with OCS is related to differential functional-anatomical relationships. Lesion-function mapping Selective cognitive impairments in a representative sample. Routine imaging and cognitive screening data can be used in lesion mapping. VLSM techniques can capitalise on using existing clinical data.