F-MRI: A method to assess therapy-induced cognitive impairment?

Abstract

Cognitive impairment belongs to the most disturbing therapy-associated side effects. Some medical applications are suspected to reduce mental abilities. Disputed in extent and distribution pattern the main problem, however, relies on the proof to determine the modality changed in the neuronal network. Neuropsychological tests have till now mainly shown insufficiency to define the pathogenetical origin. BOLD f-MRI is an imaging procedure reflecting neuronal activity and assessing it spatially. The correlation of cerebral blood flow with metabolism and oxygen consumption of the underlying brain tissue states the main mechanism by a functional unit being the base of BOLD f-MRI. F-MRI could be applied as follow up control for therapyinduced mental deficits. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.