NCOG-57. Visual and verbal attention deficits in patients with tumors of the supplementary motor area (SMA)

BACKGROUND The supplementary motor area (SMA) is considered to play an important role in the motor network. The function of SMA is also well-defined in the context of language processing. However, an increasing body of research suggests that this brain area is involved in a broader range of functions. While several studies have been conducted on executive function, research on attention in these patients remains comparatively limited. Consequently, the present study aimed to investigate visual and verbal attention in patients with SMA tumors. METHODS A group of 71 patients (39F, 32M) with tumors of SMA (44 left, 27 right) was examined one day before the surgery. A demographically matched control group (n=57: 33F, 24M) of healthy subjects was also included in the study. Participants were examined using: the Color Trails Test (CTT), the Visual Elevator subtest from the Test of Everyday Attention and the Digit Span subtest from Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised to assess visual and verbal attention. RESULTS The results showed that patients scored significantly lower than healthy subjects, in tests measuring visual attention (CTT2 time: t=3.556, p<0.001; CTT Interference Score: t=2.542, p=0.006; Visual Elevator: t=-3.049, p=0.002) and verbal attention (Digit Span: t=-3.166, p<0.001). The attention efficiency of patients with a tumor in the left hemisphere did not differ significantly from that of patients with a tumor in the right hemisphere. Moreover, correlation analysis revealed an association between tumor volume and visual attention (CTT1 time: rho=0.502, p=0.002), indicating that patients with larger tumors needed more time to complete that task. CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed that the SMA is involved in attentional processes beyond its established motor and language roles. Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation in these patients is recommended. Attention deficits must be considered during patient management, and patients and their caregivers should be informed of the possibility of these manifestations.