Hippocampal Functional Connectivity and Cognitive Stability in Parasellar Meningiomas (Studied by the "Virtually...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Adaptive brain mechanisms are crucial for cognitive stability against pathological impacts.
• The precise mechanisms underlying these compensatory brain changes remain poorly understood.
• Parasellar meningiomas can affect adjacent brain structures like the hippocampus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alterations in hippocampal functional connectivity in patients with parasellar meningiomas.
• To elucidate the brain's adaptive strategies in response to mild unilateral compression caused by these tumors.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 28 patients with parasellar meningiomas and 31 healthy controls were studied.
• The "Virtual Implanted Electrode" method was employed to reconstruct and analyze brain network connectivity.
• Functional connectivity was quantified using correlation coefficients between selected brain regions.

Main Results:

• Hippocampal connections with deep brain structures, amygdala, putamen, globus pallidus, and insula remained largely unaffected.
• A notable weakening of hippocampal connections with structures processing afferent information was observed.
• Enhanced functional connections between the hippocampus and executive function networks were identified, suggesting compensatory adjustments.
• Asymmetrical changes in functional connectivity were observed between the left and right hippocampi.

Conclusions:

• Altered hippocampal functional connectivity in parasellar meningioma patients represents an adaptive brain response.
• These changes are hypothesized to maintain cognitive stability despite the tumor's presence.
• The findings highlight the brain's capacity for compensatory restructuring to preserve cognitive function.