Reaching the inferior fronto-occipital fascicle with the help of Klingler dissection and DTI tractography

Czech version

Authors: E. Neuman ¹; O. Šandor ²; M. Hána ²; M. Keřkovský ³; M. Joukal ²; M. Smrčka ¹
Authors‘ workplace: Neurochirurgická klinika FN Brno ¹; Anatomický ústav, LF MU Brno ²; Klinika radiologie a nukleární, medicíny FN Brno ³
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2021; 84/117(2): 139-150
Category: Original Paper
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/cccsnn2021139

Overview

Aim: The aim of this study is to provide both image sources and a verbal description to allow the mental visualization of the course of the inferior fronto-occipital fascicle (IFOF) when looking at the brain from the lateral side, and to highlight the clinical importance of this associative white matter tract. Methods: In the three hemispheres of the brains of deceased donors, the IFOF was dissected using the Klingler method, with the aim to preserve as many intact cortical structures as possible. The spared cortical structures of the brain are good reference points for orientation on the brain surface. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography was performed as another method to study the anatomical course of the IFOF. The data for the tractography were obtained using MRI examination in a healthy volunteer. Results: It was possible to dissect the IFOF in all three hemispheres. The course of the IFOF was documented in photographs of the dissections. Similarly, the course of the IFOF is depicted through the use of tractographic reconstructions and projections of these reconstructions in the MRI image of the brain. Both methods provide very similar results when it comes to IFOF anatomy. Conclusion: The availability of neuronavigation or other technological instruments did not reduce the need for knowledge of anatomy. The authors hope that the results presented in this project can serve to expand one’s knowledge or at least to awaken an interest in anatomy.

Keywords:

human brain anatomy – white matter – fiber dissection – Diffusion tensor imaging – Tractography – inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus – semantic system

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