The usefulness of arcuate fasciculus tractography integrated navigation for glioma surgery near the language area; Clinical Investigation

Background The utility of corticospinal tract (CST)-tractography-integrated navigation was reported for brain tumors near pyramidal tracts. However, the efficacy of arcuate fasciculus (AF)-tractography-integrated navigation is unclear. Awake craniotomy is recommended to preserve language function for glioma located near the language area, although the patients' condition can limit its application. In such cases, AF-tractography-integrated navigation may help protect neurological function. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of AF-tractography-integrated navigation. We evaluated 11 patients who underwent glioma surgery near the language area using AF-tractography-integrated navigation. Six patients received intraoperative awake language functional mapping, whereas five did not due to adverse preoperative or intraoperative conditions. Language function was evaluated using the Western Aphasia Battery or Standard Language Test of Aphasia both preoperatively and postoperatively (2–4 weeks and 2–3 months after surgery). Results Extent of resection (EOR) ranged from 59.5% to 100% (mean 82.1%). Language function at 2–3 months after surgery was improved in one patient, intact in nine, and moderately disturbed in one compared with preoperative function. Among the non-awake craniotomy group, EOR ranged from 78.7% to 100% (mean 89.82%). Language function at 2–3 months after surgery was improved in one patient, intact in three, and moderately disturbed in one, in whom tumor removal very close to the AF tract was performed following preoperative patient's intent. Conclusions AF-tractography-integrated navigation is useful for glioma surgery near the language area, especially for patients with unsuitable conditions for awake craniotomy.