Application of passive intraoperative motor fMRI at 3T for the delineation of the sensorimotor cortex

Motivation: 3T intraoperative MRI systems have increased sensitivity compared to 1.5T which can be utilised to adapt functional MRI for use in neuronavigation. Specifically, passive intraoperative motor fMRI (pifMRI) can define the sensorimotor cortex (SMC). Goal(s): To investigate the utility of pifMRI for the delineation of the SMC and for DTI-based fibre tracking under general anaesthesia. Approach: We applied pifMRI pre- and post-resection to a cohort of patients with planned supratentorial craniotomy and evaluated neurosurgical utility. Results: In all eight included patients, we could map the SMC and successfully use it to seed fibre tracking. Impact: 3T intraoperative passive motor fMRI under general anaesthesia is feasible with the potential of patient-individualised on-site brain-mapping of the sensorimotor cortices for improved neuronavigation for better functional outcomes and treatment monitoring.