The right inferior frontal cortex (rIFC) is frequently activated during executive control tasks. Whereas the function of the dorsal portion of rIFC, more precisely the inferior frontal junction (rIFJ), is convergingly assigned to the attention system, the functional key role of the ventral portion, i.e., the inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), is hitherto controversially debated. Here, we used a two-step methodical approach to clarify the differential function of rIFJ and rIFG. First, we used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a modified stop signal task with an attentional capture condition (acSST) to delineate attentional from inhibitory motor processes (step 1). Then, we applied coordinate-based meta-analytic connectivity modeling (MACM) to assess functional connectivity profiles of rIFJ and rIFG across various paradigm classes (step 2). As hypothesized, rIFJ activity was associated with the detection of salient stimuli, and was functionally connected to areas of the ventral and dorsal attention network. RIFG was activated during successful response inhibition even when controlling for attentional capture and revealed the highest functional connectivity with core motor areas. Thereby, rIFJ and rIFG delineated largely independent brain networks for attention and motor control. MACM results attributed a more specific attentional function to rIFJ, suggesting an integrative role between stimulus-driven ventral and goal-directed dorsal attention processes. In contrast, rIFG was disclosed as a region of the motor control but not attention system, being essential for response inhibition. The current study provides decisive evidence regarding a more precise functional characterization of rIFC subregions in attention and inhibition.

Background: Rare soft-tissue tumors, termed desmoid fibromatosis (DF), are comprised proliferated spindle cell fibroblasts and myofibroblasts embedded in a prominent collagenous stroma. They can occur either sporadically, due to prior trauma or surgery, or may have a genetic component. Clinically, DF has a high infiltrative growth/ local recurrence rate, but does not metastasize. Case Description: A 58-year-old male underwent a C5-C7 laminectomy/instrumented fusion. Two years later, he presented with a large gross swelling on the right side of the neck. The lesion was removed and proved to histologically consist of DF. Within the first postoperative 12 months, tumor did not recur. Conclusion: Sporadic DF may follow trauma or prior surgery. Symptomatic tumors are treated by surgical en bloc resection (preferably R0). If lesions are inoperable, partially resected, or recur, different hormonal/ chemotherapeutic systematic treatment options are available (e.g., tamoxifen or tyrosine kinase inhibitors). In the future, better molecular understanding of DF likely offers additional therapeutic approaches (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors).

Civilian penetrating head injury caused by foreign objects is rare in Germany (Europe), but can result in complex neurovascular damage. We report on a patient who in suicidal intent inflicted on himself a penetrating brain injury near the vertex with a captive bolt gun. A laceration at the junction of the middle to the posterior third of the superior sinus occurred by bolt and bone fragments leading to critical stenosis and subsequent thrombosis. Upon surgery, the proximal and distal sinus openings were completely thrombosed. The sinus laceration was closed by suture and the intraparenchymal bone fragments were retrieved. Postoperative angiography disclosed persistent occlusion of the superior sagittal sinus. The patient did not develop any symptoms due to venous congestion (edema, hemorrhage), suggesting sufficient collateral venous outflow. The patient completely recovered despite the complexity of the lesion.

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