Open AccessBrain functional network alterations in patients with asymptomatic carotid disease
Author(s) -
Isabella Batistela Inhesta Sacho,
João Vitor Gerdulli Tamanini,
Brunno Machado de Campos,
Danilo Santos Silva,
Ana Carolina Coan,
Wagner Mauad Avelar
Publication year - 2021
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Conference proceedings
DOI - 10.5327/1516-3180.449
Subject(s) - medicine , neuroimaging , asymptomatic , default mode network , magnetic resonance imaging , statistical parametric mapping , stenosis , cardiology , cognition , middle frontal gyrus , functional magnetic resonance imaging , radiology , psychiatry
Background: The best therapeutic approach to asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) is still subject to discussion. Previous studies have agreed on the findings that ACS patients present with cerebral atrophy and cognitive decline compared to healthy controls. The present study aims to identify possible alterations in the brain functional network of such patients. Objectives: Study alternations in the connectivity of the Default Mode Network (DNM) in patients with ACS of at least 70%, compared to controls. Design and Setting: A cross-sectional case-control study was carried out at the Neuroimaging Laboratory at Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) - Campinas, São Paulo (Brazil). Methods: Two groups of 15 individuals matched by sex and age, the first composed ACS patients with stenosis and the second of healthy volunteers, were submitted to 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. The images were analyzed using Statistical Parametric Mapping 12 and UF2C User Friendly Functional Connectivity Toolbox software. All patients signed the Informed Consent Form. Results: ACS patients were 13 men and 2 women with an average age of 72 years. Regarding DMN connectivity, the control presented higher activity, particularly in the medial segment of the superior frontal gyrus. Conclusion: ACS patients with stenosis higher than 70% displayed prejudiced cerebral connectivity compared to healthy controls.