Role of the frontal aslant tract in language preservation and recovery after surgery: a multicenter analysis of patients with left frontal glioma - Report - MDSpire

Role of the frontal aslant tract in language preservation and recovery after surgery: a multicenter analysis of patients with left frontal glioma

  • By

  • L. F. Salvati

  • R. De Marco

  • F. Balletti

  • A. Morello

  • A. Gatto

  • A. Leocata

  • P. Fiaschi

  • S. Caneva

  • B. Cagetti

  • M. Truffelli

  • F. Bruno

  • A. Tabano

  • G. Zona

  • F. Cofano

  • R. Rudà

  • D. Garbossa

  • A. Bianconi

  • July 3, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Impact of the Frontal Aslant Tract on Language Function

Overview

This multicenter study investigates the role of the frontal aslant tract (FAT) in language function among patients undergoing surgery for left frontal gliomas. Findings indicate that surgical manipulation of the FAT is associated with postoperative language impairment and recovery outcomes.

Background

Understanding the connectivity of white matter tracts, particularly the frontal aslant tract (FAT), is crucial in glioma surgeries to preserve language function. Damage to the FAT can lead to verbal fluency disorders, making it essential to evaluate its involvement during surgical planning. This study aims to clarify the relationship between FAT integrity and language function recovery post-surgery.

Data Highlights

ParameterValue
Total Patients51
Maximal Tumor Resection58.8%
Language Function Worsening29 patients (56.9%)
Persistent Language Deficits at 3 Months14 cases
Significant FAT Resection Volume for Deficits≥0.5 cm³

Key Findings

  • 56.9% of patients experienced worsening language function postoperatively.
  • Persistent language deficits were noted in 14 patients at the 3-month follow-up.
  • Surgical manipulation of the FAT was linked to language impairment severity.
  • Resection of the middle segment of the FAT correlated with immediate and long-term language deficits.
  • A FAT resection volume of at least 0.5 cm³ predicted persistent language deficits.

Clinical Implications

Preoperative imaging and tractography can aid in planning to achieve maximal safe resection while maintaining language function.

Conclusion

The study highlights the role of the frontal aslant tract in language function and recovery.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Localization of Language Functions in Subcortical Areas During Awake Craniotomy for Resection of Dominant Posterior Temporal Glioma in a Patient with Hearing Impairment, Springer, 2023 -- Title
  2. Two Instances of SMA Syndrome Following Neurosurgical Damage to the Frontal Aslant Tract, Springer, 2022 -- Title
  3. The onco-functional reorganization of language network underlying metaplasticity induced by gliomas, Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Title
  4. EANS-EANO guidelines on the extent of resection in gliomas - PubMed, 2026 -- Title
  5. Awake Craniotomy Versus General Anesthesia for Resection of High-Grade Gliomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PMC, 2026 -- Title
  6. European Radiology — Influence of Tumor Genetics, Pathological Features, and Anatomical Location on Language Network Reorganization in Brain Tumor Patients Assessed by fMRI
  7. Role of the Frontal Aslant Tract in Language Preservation and Recovery after surgery: a Multicenter Analysis in Patients with Left Frontal Glioma
  8. EANS-EANO guidelines on the extent of resection in gliomas - PubMed
  9. Awake Craniotomy Versus General Anesthesia for Resection of High-Grade Gliomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PMC

Original Source(s)

Role of the frontal aslant tract in language preservation and recovery after surgery: a multicenter analysis of patients with left frontal glioma

  • by L. F. Salvati, R. De Marco, F. Balletti, A. Morello, A. Gatto, A. Leocata, P. Fiaschi, S. Caneva, B. Cagetti, M. Truffelli, F. Bruno, A. Tabano, G. Zona, F. Cofano, R. Rudà, D. Garbossa, A. Bianconi

  • July 3, 2026

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