Pool et al1 recently reported on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) data from single-photon emission computed tomography conducted with 20 adult stutterers and 78 age-matched control subjects. From their analyses of rCBF values in 20 regions of interest (ROIs), using one tomographic section per subject, these researchers concluded that they had obtained "preliminary evidence for cortical dysfunction in stutterers related to reduced and asymmetric left frontal and temporal perfusion." These are very provocative findings with respect to the diagnosis and, perhaps, treatment of this disorder; they have already prompted one derivative investigation2 and an inquiry about the researchers' methodology.3 We also have some inquiries; they concern interpretation and validity of the findings of Pool and colleagues. We believe that their response might also help clarify the importance of their findings.
By far, the most significant finding of the study by Pool et al is that brain blood