Author name cluster

Elisa Cargnelutti

Possible papers associated with this exact author name in Arrow. This page groups case-insensitive exact name matches and is not a full identity disambiguation profile.

3 papers

1 author row

YNICL Journal 2024 Journal Article

Exploring cognitive Landscapes: Longitudinal Dynamics of left insula gliomas using neuropsychological inquiry, fMRI, and intra-resection real time neuropsychological testing

Elisa Cargnelutti
Marta Maieron
Serena D’Agostini
Tamara Ius
Miran Skrap
Barbara Tomasino

We explored the functional outcome following awake surgery and Real-Time Neuropsychological Testing (RTNT) in the left insula. We carried out a longitudinal investigation by comparing the patients' language profile, and, in particular, the object-naming skills and the associated fMRI network, of pre-surgery and follow-up (i.e., a few months after surgery) in a group of 23 patients harboring a left-sided low grade glioma centered to the insulo-temporal area. Tumor resection, performed while continuously monitoring patients' performance by RNTN, was high (median = 92 %). From the neuropsychological viewpoint, almost all patients displayed preserved naming and language skills in general, both before surgery and at follow-up, when they recovered from a transient impairment recorded immediately after surgery. From the functional imaging viewpoint, the naming networks of the two assessment times were almost equivalent, with non-parametric analyses showing brain remodeling involving perilesional areas preoperatively and the contralesional, healthy, insula at follow-up. We discussed the anatomo-functional mechanisms that contributed to the preservation of the functional and cognitive pattern as observed in this longitudinal study, with a particular focus on the promising plasticity potential of the left insular area. In particular, we commented that, at least in our patient series and by applying an optimized surgical procedure, surgery in the insula was safe and generally contributed to the preservation of the language functions.

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YNICL Journal 2024 Journal Article

Preoperative plasticity in the functional naming network of patients with left insular gliomas

Elisa Cargnelutti
Marta Maieron
Serena D'Agostini
Tamara Ius
Miran Skrap
Barbara Tomasino

Plasticity could take place as a compensatory process following brain glioma growth. Only a few studies specifically explored plasticity in patients affected by a glioma invading the left insula; even more, plasticity of the insular cortex in task-based functional language network is almost unexplored. In the current study, we explored potential plasticity in a consecutive series of 22 patients affected by a glioma centered to the left insula, by comparing their preoperative object-naming functional network with that of a group of healthy controls. After having controlled for demographic variables, fMRI results showed that patients vs. controls activated a cluster in the right, contralesional pars triangularis including the Broca's area. On the other hand, controls did not significantly activate any brain region more than patients. At behavioral level, patients retained a generally preserved naming performance as well as a proficient language processing profile. These findings suggest that involvement of language-specific areas in the healthy hemisphere could help compensate for the left, affected insula, thus allowing preservation of the naming functions. Results are commented in relation to lesion site, naming performance, and potential relevance for neurosurgery.

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YNICL Journal 2020 Journal Article

What do we know about pre- and postoperative plasticity in patients with glioma? A review of neuroimaging and intraoperative mapping studies

Elisa Cargnelutti
Tamara Ius
Miran Skrap
Barbara Tomasino

Brain plasticity potential is a central theme in neuro-oncology and is currently receiving increased attention. Advances in treatment have prolonged life expectancy in neuro-oncological patients and the long-term preservation of their quality of life is, therefore, a new challenge. To this end, a better understanding of brain plasticity mechanisms is vital as it can help prevent permanent deficits following neurosurgery. Indeed, reorganization processes can be fundamental to prevent or recover neurological and cognitive deficits by reallocating brain functions outside the lesioned areas. According to more recent studies in the literature, brain reorganization taking place following neurosurgery is associated with good neurofunctioning at follow-up. Interestingly, in the last few years, the number of reports on plasticity has notably increased. Aim of the current review was to provide a comprehensive overview of pre- and postoperative neuroplasticity patterns. Within this framework, we aimed to shed light on some tricky issues, including i) involvement of the contralateral healthy hemisphere, ii) role and potential changes of white matter and connectivity patterns, and iii) reorganization in low- versus high-grade gliomas. We finally discussed the practical implications of these aspects and role of additional potentially relevant factors to be explored. Final purpose was to provide a guideline helpful in promoting increase in the extent of tumor resection while preserving the patients' neurological and cognitive functioning.

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