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Altered dynamic functional connectivity in the default mode network in patients with cirrhosis and minimal hepatic

Hua-Jun Chen1, Hai-Long Lin2, Qiu-Feng Chen3

  • 1Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China. chj0075@126.com.

Neuroradiology
|July 15, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) shows altered dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) in the default mode network (DMN). These brain connectivity changes correlate with cognitive performance in MHE patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Medical Imaging
  • Brain Connectivity

Background:

  • Static functional connectivity (FC) analysis has identified abnormalities in minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE).
  • However, the dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) in MHE remains largely unexplored.
  • Understanding dFC may reveal novel insights into MHE pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate alterations in dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) within the default mode network (DMN) in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE).
  • To compare dFC patterns between MHE patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Resting-state functional MRI data were collected from 20 MHE patients and 24 healthy controls.
  • Dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) was computed using a sliding time-window approach.
  • K-means clustering was employed to identify distinct dFC states.

Main Results:

  • MHE patients exhibited significantly weaker dFC within the DMN compared to controls across identified states.
  • Specific regions showing reduced connectivity included the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)/precuneus (PCUN), medial temporal lobe (MTL), lateral temporal cortex (LTC), and inferior parietal lobule (IPL).
  • Altered connectivity in one state correlated with cognitive deficits in MHE patients.

Conclusions:

  • Aberrant dynamic DMN connectivity is a key characteristic of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE).
  • Dynamic connectivity analysis provides a new framework for understanding the neural mechanisms underlying MHE.
  • These findings highlight the potential of dFC as a biomarker for MHE.
Keywords:
CirrhosisDefault mode networkDynamic functional connectivityMinimal hepatic encephalopathyResting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging

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