Residual functional connectivity in the split-brain revealed with resting-state functional MRI

Neuroreport. 2008 May 7;19(7):703-9. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0b013e3282fb8203.

Abstract

Split-brain patients present a unique opportunity to address controversies regarding subcortical contributions to interhemispheric coordination. We characterized residual functional connectivity in a complete commissurotomy patient by examining patterns of low-frequency BOLD functional MRI signal. Using independent components analysis and region-of-interest-based functional connectivity analyses, we demonstrate bilateral resting state networks in a patient lacking all major cerebral commissures. Compared with a control group, the patient's interhemispheric correlation scores fell within the normal range for two out of three regions examined. Thus, we provide evidence for bilateral resting state networks in a patient with complete commissurotomy. Such continued interhemispheric interaction suggests that, at least in part, cortical networks in the brain can be coordinated by subcortical mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Epilepsy / surgery
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neural Pathways / physiology*
  • Split-Brain Procedure*