Brain gray matter structural network in myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystem disorder with central nervous system involvement.
• Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of DM1 is crucial for managing its diverse symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate structural covariance network abnormalities in DM1 patients using graph theoretical analysis.
• To clarify the mechanisms of central nervous system involvement in DM1.

Main Methods:

• Included 28 DM1 patients and 28 healthy controls.
• Utilized voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and graph theoretical analysis on MRI-derived gray matter volume.
• Applied Graph Analysis Toolbox for network analysis.

Main Results:

• VBM showed widespread gray matter atrophy in DM1 patients.
• No significant differences in global network connectivity measures between DM1 and control groups.
• Increased betweenness centrality in the left fusiform gyrus and decreased centrality in the right striatum were observed in DM1 patients.

Conclusions:

• Preserved global cognitive function in DM1 aligns with stable global network measures.
• Altered connectivity in specific regions (left fusiform gyrus, right striatum) may underlie deficits in face perception, theory of mind, and personality traits in DM1.