Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the pathologic mechanism of motor aphasia.Methods25 patients with cerebral infarction and motor aphasia were examined by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) at Broca's areas, the results were compared with that of the mirror side.ResultsMRS showed that the N-acetyl aspartate, choline in Broca's areas reduced than that of the mirror side ( P<0.05); while PWI showed that the regional cerebral blood volume and regional cerebral blood flow of damaged Broca's areas decreased significantly than that of the right hemisphere ( P<0.01). Mean transit time and time to peak of damaged Broca's areas prolonged than that of mirror side ( P<0.05).ConclusionHypoperfusion and hypometabolism revealed in Broca's areas of patients with motor aphasia may be one of the mechanisms of motor aphasia.

Key words: motor aphasia, Broca's area, pathologic mechanism, function magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)