1
|
Dong QY, Cao YB, Huang HW, Li D, Lin Y, Chen HJ. Metabolic disorder and functional disturbance in the central executive network in minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae036. [PMID: 38365269 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to investigate dynamical functional disturbance in central executive network in minimal hepatic encephalopathy and determine its association with metabolic disorder and cognitive impairment. Data of magnetic resonance spectroscopy and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging were obtained from 27 cirrhotic patients without minimal hepatic encephalopathy, 20 minimal hepatic encephalopathy patients, and 24 healthy controls. Central executive network was identified utilizing seed-based correlation approach. Dynamic functional connectivity across central executive network was calculated using sliding-window approach. Functional states were estimated by K-means clustering. Right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex metabolite ratios (i.e. glutamate and glutamine complex/total creatine, myo-inositol / total creatine, and choline / total creatine) were determined. Neurocognitive performance was determined by psychometric hepatic encephalopathy scores. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy patients had decreased myo-inositol / total creatine and choline / total creatine and increased glutamate and glutamine complex / total creatine in right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (all P ≤ 0.020); decreased static functional connectivity between bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and between right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and lateral-inferior temporal cortex (P ≤ 0.001); increased frequency and mean dwell time in state-1 (P ≤ 0.001), which exhibited weakest functional connectivity. Central executive network dynamic functional indices were significantly correlated with right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex metabolic indices and psychometric hepatic encephalopathy scores. Right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex myo-inositol / total creatine and mean dwell time in state-1 yielded best potential for diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Dynamic functional disturbance in central executive network may contribute to neurocognitive impairment and could be correlated with metabolic disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Yi Dong
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yun-Bin Cao
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Hui-Wei Huang
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yanqin Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Department of Electronic Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Hua-Jun Chen
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Y, Yang L, Shang Y, Huang Y, Ju C, Zheng H, Zhao W, Liu J. Identifying Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy: A New Perspective from Magnetic Resonance Imaging. J Magn Reson Imaging 2023. [PMID: 38149764 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Type C hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a condition characterized by brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and/or portal-systemic blood shunting, which manifests as a broad spectrum of neurological or psychiatric abnormalities, ranging from minimal HE (MHE), detectable only by neuropsychological or neurophysiological assessment, to coma. Though MHE is the subclinical phase of HE, it is highly prevalent in cirrhotic patients and strongly associated with poor quality of life, high risk of overt HE, and mortality. It is, therefore, critical to identify MHE at the earliest and timely intervene, thereby minimizing the subsequent complications and costs. However, proper and sensitive diagnosis of MHE is hampered by its unnoticeable symptoms and the absence of standard diagnostic criteria. A variety of neuropsychological or neurophysiological tests have been performed to diagnose MHE. However, these tests are nonspecific and susceptible to multiple factors (eg, aging, education), thereby limiting their application in clinical practice. Thus, developing an objective, effective, and noninvasive method is imperative to help detect MHE. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a noninvasive technique which can produce many objective biomarkers by different imaging sequences (eg, Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, DWI, rs-MRI, and arterial spin labeling), has recently shown the ability to screen MHE from NHE (non-HE) patients accurately. As advanced MRI techniques continue to emerge, more minor changes in the brain could be captured, providing new means for early diagnosis and quantitative assessment of MHE. In addition, the advancement of artificial intelligence in medical imaging also presents the potential to mine more effective diagnostic biomarkers and further improves the predictive efficiency of MHE. Taken together, advanced MRI techniques may provide a new perspective for us to identify MHE in the future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yisong Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Longtao Yang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Youlan Shang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yijie Huang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chao Ju
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hairong Zheng
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- Department of Radiology Quality Control Center in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vieira GDD, de Sá MMS, Dias ADM, Bentes RGL, Amato ACS, de Negreiros AALV, de Andrade ACA, Perales SR, de Ataide EC, Foratto A, Damasceno A. Cortical ribbon sign on neuroimaging in a patient with hepatic encephalopathy secondary to herbal medicine usage. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2023; 21:eAI0538. [PMID: 37970949 PMCID: PMC10631753 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2023ai0538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel de Deus Vieira
- Department of NeurologyUniversidade Estadual de CampinasCampinasSPBrazil
Department of Neurology
,
Universidade Estadual de Campinas
,
Campinas
,
SP
,
Brazil
.
| | - Mariana Moreira Soares de Sá
- Department of NeurologyUniversidade Estadual de CampinasCampinasSPBrazil
Department of Neurology
,
Universidade Estadual de Campinas
,
Campinas
,
SP
,
Brazil
.
| | - Arthur de Medeiros Dias
- Department of NeurologyUniversidade Estadual de CampinasCampinasSPBrazil
Department of Neurology
,
Universidade Estadual de Campinas
,
Campinas
,
SP
,
Brazil
.
| | - Rafael Gemaque Lima Bentes
- Department of NeurologyUniversidade Estadual de CampinasCampinasSPBrazil
Department of Neurology
,
Universidade Estadual de Campinas
,
Campinas
,
SP
,
Brazil
.
| | - Augusto Celso Scarparo Amato
- Department of NeuroradiologyUniversidade Estadual de CampinasCampinasSPBrazil
Department of Neuroradiology
,
Universidade Estadual de Campinas
,
Campinas
,
SP
,
Brazil
.
| | - André Augusto Lemos Vidal de Negreiros
- Department of NeurologyUniversidade Estadual de CampinasCampinasSPBrazil
Department of Neurology
,
Universidade Estadual de Campinas
,
Campinas
,
SP
,
Brazil
.
| | - Ana Carolina Amaral de Andrade
- Department of NeurologyUniversidade Estadual de CampinasCampinasSPBrazil
Department of Neurology
,
Universidade Estadual de Campinas
,
Campinas
,
SP
,
Brazil
.
| | - Simone Reges Perales
- Department of Digestive System SurgeryUniversidade Estadual de CampinasCampinasSPBrazil
Department of Digestive System Surgery
,
Universidade Estadual de Campinas
,
Campinas
,
SP
,
Brazil
.
| | - Elaine Cristina de Ataide
- Department of Digestive System SurgeryUniversidade Estadual de CampinasCampinasSPBrazil
Department of Digestive System Surgery
,
Universidade Estadual de Campinas
,
Campinas
,
SP
,
Brazil
.
| | - Alexandre Foratto
- Department of Digestive System SurgeryUniversidade Estadual de CampinasCampinasSPBrazil
Department of Digestive System Surgery
,
Universidade Estadual de Campinas
,
Campinas
,
SP
,
Brazil
.
| | - Alfredo Damasceno
- Department of NeurologyUniversidade Estadual de CampinasCampinasSPBrazil
Department of Neurology
,
Universidade Estadual de Campinas
,
Campinas
,
SP
,
Brazil
.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin S, Li J, Chen S, Lin X, Ye M, Qiu Y. Progressive Disruption of Dynamic Functional Network Connectivity in Patients With Hepatitis B Virus-related cirrhosis. J Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 54:1830-1840. [PMID: 34031950 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diseased-related dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) disruption and its relationship with cognitive impairment in hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis (HBV-RC) patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and no MHE (NMHE) remain unknown. This knowledge would help identify MHE pathophysiology and monitor disease progression in HBV-RC patients. PURPOSE To investigate the dFNC in patients with NMHE and MHE and the relationship between dFNC indices with the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES). STUDY TYPE Prospective. POPULATION Thirty HBV-RC patients (including 17 NMHE and 13 MHE) and 38 healthy controls (HC). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE A 1.5 T MRI and gradient-echo echo-planar imaging and fast field echo three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging. ASSESSMENT The independent components, dFNC matrix and dFNC indices (mean dwell times [DT], number of states, number of transitions, and fraction time in each state), were obtained through GIFT package. Cognitive measurement and patients grouping were based on PHES tests. STATISTICAL TESTS One-way ANOVA, chi-square test, two-sample t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, spearman's correlation analysis and the false discovery rate. Significance level: P < 0.05. RESULTS Compared to HC (21.1 ± 4.02), the DT of state 1 decreased in NMHE (9.0 ± 3.04, P = 0.062, 95% confidence interval [CI] is -0.65 to 24.88) and significantly in MHE stage (1.2 ± 1.01) and was significantly correlated with PHES (r = 0.5) for all patients. The DT of state 2 increased gradually in NMHE (75.2 ± 13.10, P = 0.052, 95% CI, -54.23 to 0.28) and significantly in MHE stage (94.6 ± 15.61) when compared to HC (48.2 ± 6.97). Moreover, the connectivity between cognitive control network (CCN) and visual network (VIS) in state 1 (0.7 ± 0.79) and between default mode (DMN) and VIS in state 2 (-0.2 ± 0.29) decreased significantly in MHE when compared to HC (0.1 ± 0.68 for CCN-VIS in state 1 and 0.1 ± 0.17 for DMN-VIS for state 2). DATA CONCLUSION: dFNC exhibited progressive impairment as the disease advances in patients with HBV-RC. EVIDENCE LEVEL 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Lin
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengli Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoshan Lin
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Ye
- Department of Geriatrics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Geriatrics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingwei Qiu
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Othman EA. Editorial for "Progressive Deterioration of Dynamic Functional Network Connectivity in Patients With HBV-Related Cirrhosis". J Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 54:1841-1842. [PMID: 34021675 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elza Azri Othman
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen J, Liu S, Wang C, Zhang C, Cai H, Zhang M, Si L, Zhang S, Xu Y, Zhu J, Yu Y. Associations of Serum Liver Function Markers With Brain Structure, Function, and Perfusion in Healthy Young Adults. Front Neurol 2021; 12:606094. [PMID: 33716920 PMCID: PMC7947675 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.606094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous neuroimaging studies have demonstrated brain abnormalities in patients with hepatic diseases. However, the identified liver-brain associations are largely limited to disease-affected populations, and the nature and extent of such relations in healthy subjects remain unclear. We hypothesized that serum liver function markers within a normal level would affect brain properties. Method: One hundred fifty-seven healthy young adults underwent structural, resting-state functional, and arterial spin labeling MRI scans. Gray matter volume (GMV), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) analyses were performed to assess brain structure, function, and perfusion, respectively. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected to measure serum liver function markers. Correlation analyses were conducted to test potential associations between liver function markers and brain imaging parameters. Results: First, serum proteins showed relations to brain structure characterized by higher albumin associated with increased GMV in the parahippocampal gyrus and amygdala and lower globulin and a higher albumin/globulin ratio with increased GMV in the olfactory cortex and parahippocampal gyrus. Second, serum bilirubin was linked to brain function characterized by higher bilirubin associated with increased ReHo in the precuneus, middle cingulate gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, and supramarginal gyrus and decreased ReHo in the caudate nucleus. Third, serum alanine transaminase (ALT) was related to brain perfusion characterized by higher ALT associated with increased CBF in the superior frontal gyrus and decreased CBF in the middle occipital gyrus, angular gyrus, precuneus, and middle temporal gyrus. More importantly, we found that CBF in the superior frontal gyrus was a significant mediator of the association between serum ALT level and working memory performance. Conclusion: These findings may not only expand existing knowledge about the relationship between the liver and the brain but also have clinical implications for studying brain impairments secondary to liver diseases as well as providing potential neural targets for their diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Chen
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chunli Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cun Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huanhuan Cai
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Si
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanhong Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiajia Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yongqiang Yu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chemotherapy-induced brain changes in breast cancer survivors: evaluation with multimodality magnetic resonance imaging. Brain Imaging Behav 2020; 13:1799-1814. [PMID: 30937827 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-019-00074-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy related cognitive impairments are common in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. These cognitive dysfunctions are mainly attributable to chemotherapy related brain structural and functional alterations. Multimodality magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reveal brain gray matter volume loss, white matter microstructural disruption, reduced gray matter density, impaired cerebral blood flow and brain structural and functional connection networks at both local and global levels. This review outlines the potential applications of multimodality MR imaging techniques in chemotherapy induced cognitive deficit in breast cancer survivors and provides future research perspective in this field.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ye M, Guo Z, Li Z, Lin X, Li J, Jiang G, Teng Y, Qiu Y, Han L, Lv X. Aberrant inter-hemispheric coordination characterizes the progression of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2020; 25:102175. [PMID: 31954985 PMCID: PMC6965735 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis (HBV-RC) and minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) exhibit alterations in homotopic inter-hemispheric functional connectivity (FC) and corpus callosum (CC) degeneration. However, the progression of inter-hemispheric dysconnectivity in cirrhotic patients from no MHE (NMHE) to MHE and its association with the progression of diseased-related cognitive impairment remain uncharacterized. We hypothesized that inter-hemispheric dysconnectivity exists in NMHE patients and further deteriorates at the MHE stage, which is associated with performance measured by psychometric hepatic encephalopathy scores (PHES) that can characterize cirrhotic patients with NMHE and MHE. Using inter-hemispheric homotopic FC and CC (and its subfields) volumetric measurements in 31 patients with HBV-RC (17 with NMHE and 14 with MHE) and 37 healthy controls, we verified that MHE patients had significant attenuated inter-hemispheric homotopic FC in the bilateral cuneus, post-central gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, and superior temporal gyms, as well as CC degeneration in total CC, CC2, CC3, and CC4 (each comparison had a corrected P < 0.05). In contrast, NMHE patients had relatively less severe inter-hemispheric homotopic FC and no CC degeneration. In addition, the degeneration of the CC and inter-hemispheric homotopic functional disconnections correlated with poor PHES performances in all cirrhotic patients (NMHE and MHE). Furthermore, impairment of inter-hemispheric homotopic FC partially mediated the association between CC degeneration and worse PHES performance. Notably, a combination of inter-hemispheric homotopic FC and CC volumes had higher discriminative values according to the area under the curve (AUC) score (AUC = 0.908, P < 0.001) to classify patients into MHE or NMHE groups when compared with either alone. Our findings shed light on the progression of inter-hemispheric dysconnectivity in relation to the progression of disease-related cognitive impairment in patients with HBV-RC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Ye
- Department of Geriatrics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Geriatrics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Guo
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ganzhou Medical University, Ganzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhipeng Li
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoshan Lin
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guihua Jiang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Guangdong No. 2 Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun Teng
- Department of Radiology, Lianjiang people' hospital, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingwei Qiu
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Lujun Han
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaofei Lv
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lin W, Chen X, Gao YQ, Yang ZT, Yang W, Chen HJ. Hippocampal atrophy and functional connectivity disruption in cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Metab Brain Dis 2019; 34:1519-1529. [PMID: 31363985 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-019-00457-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus is a crucial pathological node for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and it is associated with various cognitive impairments. Investigations on alterations involving hippocampal morphology and functional connectivity (FC) in MHE are limited. This study aimed to simultaneously evaluate hippocampal volume and FC alterations and their association with cognitive decline in MHE. Twenty-two cirrhotic patients with MHE, 31 cirrhotic patients without MHE (NHE), and 43 healthy controls underwent high-resolution T1-weighted imaging, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, and cognition assessment based on Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES). The structural images were preprocessed using a voxel-based morphometry method, during which hippocampal volume was measured. The hippocampal connectivity network was identified using seed-based correlation analysis. Hippocampal volume and FC strength were compared across the three groups and correlated against the PHES results of the cirrhotic patients. Compared to the controls, MHE patients exhibited a significantly lower bilateral hippocampal volume. A slight decrease in hippocampal volume was obtained from NHE to MHE, but it did not reach statistically significance. In addition, the average FC strength of the bilateral hippocampal connectivity network was significantly lower in the MHE patients. In particular, the MHE patients showed a decrease in FC involving the left hippocampus to bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus and left angular gyrus. The MHE patients also showed FC reduction between the right hippocampus and bilateral medial frontal cortex. A progressive reduction in hippocampal FC from NHE to MHE was also observed. The bilateral hippocampal FC strength (but not hippocampal volume) was positively correlated with the PHES results of the cirrhotic patients. Our assessment of MHE patients revealed decreased hippocampal volume, which suggests regional atrophy, and reduced hippocampal connectivity with regions that are primarily involved in the default-mode network, thereby suggesting a functional disconnection syndrome. These alterations reveal the mechanisms underlying cognitive deterioration with disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiwen Lin
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xuhui Chen
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | | | - Zhe-Ting Yang
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Weizhu Yang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Hua-Jun Chen
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zarantonello L, Turco M, Formentin C, Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Vuerich A, Barcenas Jimenez MJ, Montoliu C, Felipo V, Angeli P, Amodio P, Montagnese S. The influence of HE history, HE status and neuropsychological test type on learning ability in patients with cirrhosis. Liver Int 2019; 39:861-870. [PMID: 30658006 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Learning ability may be impaired in patients with a history of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). The aim of this study was to compare performance on the first/second attempt at a series of tests. METHODS Two hundred and fourteen patients with cirrhosis were enrolled. On the day of study, 41% were classed as unimpaired, 38% as having minimal HE and 21% as having mild OHE; 58% had a history of OHE. Performance was compared between two versions of the trail-making test A (TMT-A), and between the first/second half of a simple/choice reaction time (sRT and cRT), and a working memory test (ScanRT). RESULTS Both patients with and without OHE history improved in TMT-A, sRT and ScanRT. Only patients with no OHE history improved in cRT. All patients, regardless of their HE status on the day of study, improved in TMT-A and sRT. Only patients with mild OHE on the day of study improved in cRT. Only unimpaired patients improved in ScanRT. When OHE history and HE status on the day of study were tested together, only HE status had an effect. The same held true when age, the Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) and educational attainment were adjusted for. CONCLUSIONS HE status on the day of study and the type of neuropsychological test had an effect on learning ability in a well-characterized group of patients with cirrhosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matteo Turco
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Paula Izquierdo-Altarejos
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Anna Vuerich
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Carmina Montoliu
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paolo Angeli
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Piero Amodio
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Weiss N, Thabut D. Neurological Complications Occurring After Liver Transplantation: Role of Risk Factors, Hepatic Encephalopathy, and Acute (on Chronic) Brain Injury. Liver Transpl 2019; 25:469-487. [PMID: 30697911 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) remains the only way to definitively cure patients with the most severe liver diseases. Because the survival rate is now fairly high, important questions about neurological sequelae or quality of life after LT have emerged. Indeed, LT represents a peculiar situation because up to 30% of patients present with neurological symptoms after LT compared with only 4% after cardiac transplant and 0.5% after renal transplant. These postoperative neurological symptoms have long been interpreted as sequelae of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). However, postoperative decompensation of an unknown cerebral condition due to the pathophysiology of cirrhosis or undiagnosed neurodegenerative disorders or aging constitute other possibilities that are underrecognized. Some patients who undergo LT for acute liver failure and patients with cirrhosis without episodes of HE and without any previous cerebral alteration also display post-LT neurological symptoms. This latter situation speaks in favor of a direct adverse effect of either general anesthesia, the surgical procedure, or factors related to the postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) environment. The role of inflammation, which has been described in the ICU setting, could also be a crucial determinant. In this review, we will discuss the neurological complications associated with LT, the neurocognitive complications after LT, and how to assess the LT-related neurological or neurocognitive complications. Furthermore, we will review the various hypotheses surrounding post-LT neurocognitive impairment and will conclude with recommendations for future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Weiss
- Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupement Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Département de Neurologie, Unité de Réanimation Neurologique, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Thabut
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Paris, France.,Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupement Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Unité de Soins Intensifs d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
In general, hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is defined as a brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and/or portal-systemic blood shunting. This article relates to the so-called type C HE: that is, HE in patients with liver cirrhosis. It manifests as a wide spectrum of neurological or psychiatric abnormalities, ranging from subclinical alterations, detectable only by neuropsychological or neurophysiological assessment, to coma. Several scales have been developed for grading the extent of HE. The most often used is the West Haven criteria (WHC), which differentiate between four grades of clinically overt HE. Patients with liver cirrhosis without clinically overt symptoms of HE but neuropsychological or neurophysiological findings indicating brain dysfunction are considered to have minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). For simplification, some experts suggest differentiating between covert HE (MHE plus grade I HE according to WHC) and overt HE (WHC grades II-IV). Diagnosis of both MHE and overt HE is hampered by the fact that none of the symptoms of HE or the findings in the various diagnostic measures applied are specific. Thus, a diagnosis of HE or MHE can only be made after exclusion of other possible causes of brain dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Weissenborn
- Clinic for Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30623, Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|