Nina Koschnicke1,2, Stefan Maderwald1,2, Jens Matthias Theysohn1,2, Katja Grokurth1, Mark E. Ladd1,2, Elke Ruth Gizewski1,2
1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; 2Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
The aim of this study was the evaluation of language regions (Wernickes and Brocas area) by comparing fMRI at 1.5 and 7 T using a word generation and synonym detection test in twelve right-handed, volunteers. The speech regions were reliably and consistently revealed in all volunteers at both field strengths. In direct comparison, we acquired a 2 times higher BOLD signal and a 5-6 times higher voxel level at 7 T. In further studies, this advantage at 7 T may lead i.e. to a constant preoperative detection of speech areas in patients with brain pathologies and restricted powers of concentration.