Cortical localization of human sustained attention: detection with functional MR using a visual vigilance paradigm.
OBJECTIVE
Our goal was to determine whether functional MRI on a standard 1.5 T system can localize activation during a visual vigilance sustained attention task and whether this corresponds to results described in a PET investigation of a similar task.


METHODS
Sixteen volunteers were studied on a 1.5 T system using a gradient echo technique. A single axial section was oriented within a stereotaxic coordinate space, 40 mm superior to the anterior-posterior commissure line. Images with eyes closed were followed by images during subject concentration on a small dim spot. Motion correction and pixel-by-pixel statistical analysis were performed. Talairach grids were applied for summary statistical analysis and comparison to PET data, with analysis using a series of planned contrasts within a repeated measures analysis of variance.


RESULTS
Predominantly right-sided frontal and parietal activation was observed, with statistical significance across subjects in the right frontal lobe (F > or = 5.9, p < or = 0.041). Comparison with previously reported PET data yielded a very similar pattern of activation (F = 13.2; df = 1,8; p = 0.007).


CONCLUSIONS
Activation of the right middle frontal gyrus and right parietal lobe during visual vigilance is detectable across functional imaging modalities.
Lewin
J S
JS
Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Friedman
L
L
Wu
D
D
Miller
D A
DA
Thompson
L A
LA
Klein
S K
SK
Wise
A L
AL
Hedera
P
P
Buckley
P
P
Meltzer
H
H
Friedland
R P
RP
Duerk
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology*; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010296:Parietal Lobe / Q000502:physiology; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*