Development of Three-dimensional Combined Analysis System of Brain Function.

为了阐明人脑功能和脑疾病的病理生理学，我们开发了一个系统，用于在三维空间中使用各种非侵入性方法来检查人脑，例如正电子发射断层扫描（PET），单光子发射计算机断层扫描（SPECT），磁共振成像（MRI），以及包括脑电图（EEG）和脑磁图（MEG）的电生理测量。图像数据通过局域网络系统传输到工作站进行图像分析，并转换为通用的图像数据格式，使我们能够在同一个三维空间分析数据。我们还介绍了脑功能成像的体数据自动配准算法，并在完全相同的被试中，采用相同的隐词生成任务激活范式，对PET和fMRI（fMRI）的脑激活进行了比较研究，结果表明，与fMRI的脑激活观察结果相似，且显著性水平更高。功能磁共振成像在颅底区和脑深部结构的检测方面存在局限性，应根据各模态的特点选择合适的方法。在不同的发育阶段，儿童的fMRI信号变化的反应模式不同。EEG和PET激动研究的结合分析为α节律的产生和抑制提供了重要信息。神经传递功能的分析应包括为系统的进一步发展。

In order to elucidate human brain function and pathophysiology of the brain diseases, we have developed a system for combined analysis of brain function in three-dimensional space using various noninvasive methods to examine the human brain, such as positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electrophysiological measurements including electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG). The image data were transferred to the workstation for the image analysis through the local network system and converted to the common image data format, which permitted us to analyze the data in the same three-dimensional space. We also introduced the algorithm for automatic registration of the volumetric data of functional brain imaging.Comparative study of brain activation using PET and functional MRI (fMRI) was performed in the exactly same subjects with the same activation paradigm of covert word generation task demonstrated the similar observation of brain activation with higher significance level with fMRI.However, fMRI has limitations in detection of the skull base area and deep brain structures, and it is important select the appropriate method based on the characteristics of each modality. The different response pattern of signal changes was observed with fMRI during the developmental state of the children. Combined analysis of EEG and PET activation study provided important information of the generation and suppression of alfa rhythm. The analysis of neurotransmission function should be included for further development of the system.