Altered resting state functional connectivity in youth with congenital heart disease operated during infancy

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Congenital heart disease (CHD) is linked to cognitive impairments, including executive function deficits.
• Altered brain functional connectivity is observed in neonates with CHD, but its persistence into adulthood is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare resting-state functional connectivity networks associated with executive function in youth with complex CHD and healthy controls.
• To investigate if early-life alterations in brain connectivity persist into adulthood in individuals with CHD.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state functional connectivity was assessed in 16- to 24-year-olds with complex CHD (post-infancy open-heart surgery) and age/sex-matched controls.
• Executive functions were evaluated using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version questionnaire.
• Connectivity was compared across default mode, dorsal attention, fronto-parietal, fronto-orbital, and amygdalar networks.

Main Results:

• Participants with CHD performed worse on executive function scales (inhibit, initiate, emotional control, working memory, self-monitor, organization).
• Decreased functional connectivity was found between the fronto-orbital cortex and hippocampus, and between the amygdala and frontal pole in the CHD group.
• Increased functional connectivity was observed within the default mode, dorsal attention, and fronto-parietal networks in youth with CHD.

Conclusions:

• Youth with CHD exhibit disrupted resting-state functional connectivity in widespread brain networks.
• These connectivity alterations are associated with significant executive functioning deficits persisting into young adulthood.
• Findings highlight the long-term neurological impact of CHD on cognitive development.