Altered Intrinsic Functional Connectivity of the Primary Visual Cortex in Patients with Neovascular Glaucoma: A...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a severe form of glaucoma.
• Understanding the neural mechanisms of NVG is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in spontaneous functional connectivity (FC) of the primary visual cortex (V1) between NVG patients and healthy controls (HCs).
• To explore the neural underpinnings of visual impairment in NVG using resting-state fMRI.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used.
• 18 NVG patients and 18 HCs were analyzed.
• Independent samples t-test and ROC curve analysis were employed to compare FC.

Main Results:

• NVG patients showed decreased FC in left V1, fusiform gyrus, cuneus, and precuneus compared to HCs.
• Increased FC was observed between right V1 and middle frontal gyrus in NVG.
• Decreased FC was noted between right V1 and left precuneus/cuneus in NVG patients.
• ROC analysis demonstrated excellent accuracy in identifying NVG based on FC.

Conclusions:

• NVG is associated with aberrant FC in V1 and connected visual and cognitive brain regions.
• These findings offer insights into the neural mechanisms behind visual dysfunction in NVG.
• FC alterations may serve as potential biomarkers for NVG diagnosis.