ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the language areas activated by fMRI during different reading tasks and to assess the difference of activated areas according to each reading task MATERIALS AND METHODS: Functional maps of the language area were obtained during three reading tasks(Korean consonant letter, pseudoword, and word) in nine right-handed volunteers(7 males, 2 females). MR examinations were performed at 1.5T scanner with EPI BOLD technique(gradient echo shot EPI, TR/TE 3000/60, flip angle 90, matrix64 64, 5mm thickness, no slice gap). Each task consisted of three resting periods and two activation periods and each period lasted 30 seconds. We used SPM program for the postprocessing of images and siginficance level was set at p<0.01. Activated areas were topographically analyzed in each stimulus. RESULTS: Significant activated signals were demonstrated in all volunteers. Activated signals were seen in the frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital lobes during reading tasks and they were lateralized to the left hemisphere except occipital lobe. Letter and pseudoword produced stronger activated signals than word, and the activated signals were more lateralized to the left hemisphere in pseudoword reading than in letter reading. CONCLUSION: Activated signals were induced in the language areas by reading task of letter or wordform. Greater activation of language areas was induced when letter or pseuowords were presented than familiar words.