Neuroimaging abnormalities, neurocognitive function, and fatigue in patients with hepatitis C

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Hepatology
• Radiology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can affect the central nervous system.
• Neurologic abnormalities and cognitive deficits are increasingly recognized in individuals with HCV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate neurologic abnormalities using advanced MRI techniques.
• To assess neurocognitive performance and fatigue levels in adults with HCV.
• To determine the relationship between brain structure, cognition, and fatigue in HCV patients.

Main Methods:

• Compared 76 individuals with HCV to 20 healthy controls.
• Utilized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (sMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
• Conducted comprehensive neurocognitive evaluations and clinical assessments.

Main Results:

• HCV+ individuals showed altered white matter integrity in the striatum, fronto-occipital fasciculus, and external capsule.
• Reduced N-acetylaspartate and increased myo-inositol were observed in specific white matter regions of HCV+ participants.
• HCV+ participants exhibited poorer performance in processing speed and verbal fluency, along with higher fatigue levels.

Conclusions:

• HCV infection is associated with frontostriatal structural disruptions.
• These neurologic complications may lead to cognitive deficits and increased fatigue.
• Findings highlight the impact of HCV on brain structure and function.