The Role of Population Receptive Field Sizes in Higher-Order Visual Dysfunction.

Deena Elul, Netta Levin

Journal: Current neurology and neuroscience reports 2024;24(12):611-620

PMID: 39266871

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Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Population receptive field (pRF) modeling is an fMRI technique used to retinotopically map visual cortex, with pRF size characterizing the degree of spatial integration. In clinical populations, most pRF mapping research has focused on damage to visual system inputs. Herein, we highlight recent work using pRF modeling to study high-level visual dysfunctions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Larger pRF sizes, indicating coarser spatial processing, were observed in homonymous visual field deficits, aging, and autism spectrum disorder. Smaller pRF sizes, indicating finer processing, were observed in Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. In posterior cortical atrophy, a unique pattern was found in which pRF size changes depended on eccentricity. Changes to pRF properties were observed in clinical populations, even in high-order impairments, explaining visual behavior. These pRF changes likely stem from altered interactions between brain regions. Furthermore, some studies suggested that pRF sizes change as part of cortical reorganization, and they can point towards future prognosis.

Address: fMRI Unit, Neurology Department Hadassah Medical Organization, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, POB 12000, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.; Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.; fMRI Unit, Neurology Department Hadassah Medical Organization, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, POB 12000, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01375-6