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Long Y, Ren J, Cheng F, Duan Y, Wang B, Sun Y, Sun Q, Bian L, Yi J, Qin Y, Huang R, Guo W, Jiang H, Liu C, Feng X, Qin L. Identifying gray matter alterations in Cushing's disease using machine learning: An interpretable approach. Med Phys 2024. [PMID: 38558279 DOI: 10.1002/mp.17032] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cushing's Disease (CD) is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by excessive secretion of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, leading to significant functional and structural brain alterations as observed in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). While traditional statistical analysis has been widely employed to investigate these MRI changes in CD, it has lacked the ability to predict individual-level outcomes. PURPOSE To address this problem, this paper has proposed an interpretable machine learning (ML) framework, including model-level assessment, feature-level assessment, and biology-level assessment to ensure a comprehensive analysis based on structural MRI of CD. METHODS The ML framework has effectively identified the changes in brain regions in the stage of model-level assessment, verified the effectiveness of these altered brain regions to predict CD from normal controls in the stage of feature-level assessment, and carried out a correlation analysis between altered brain regions and clinical symptoms in the stage of biology-level assessment. RESULTS The experimental results of this study have demonstrated that the Insula, Fusiform gyrus, Superior frontal gyrus, Precuneus, and the opercular portion of the Inferior frontal gyrus of CD showed significant alterations in brain regions. Furthermore, our study has revealed significant correlations between clinical symptoms and the frontotemporal lobes, insulin, and olfactory cortex, which also have been confirmed by previous studies. CONCLUSIONS The ML framework proposed in this study exhibits exceptional potential in uncovering the intricate pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CD, with potential applicability in diagnosing other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Long
- College of Computer, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - FuChao Cheng
- College of Computer, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - YuMei Duan
- Department of Computer and Software, Chengdu Jincheng College, Chengdu, China
| | - BaoFeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhao Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - QingFang Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Lu Wan Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - LiuGuan Bian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - JunChen Yi
- International Foundation ProgramInternational CollegeGuangxi University, Guangxi, China
| | - Ying Qin
- College of Computer, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | | | - WeiTong Guo
- College of Computer, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Lu Wan Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Liu
- College of Computer, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Feng
- College of Computer, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Qin
- College of Computer, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
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De Alcubierre D, Ferrari D, Mauro G, Isidori AM, Tomlinson JW, Pofi R. Glucocorticoids and cognitive function: a walkthrough in endogenous and exogenous alterations. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:1961-1982. [PMID: 37058223 PMCID: PMC10514174 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis exerts many actions on the central nervous system (CNS) aside from stress regulation. Glucocorticoids (GCs) play an important role in affecting several cognitive functions through the effects on both glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptors (MR). In this review, we aim to unravel the spectrum of cognitive dysfunction secondary to derangement of circulating levels of endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoids. METHODS All relevant human prospective and retrospective studies published up to 2022 in PubMed reporting information on HPA disorders, GCs, and cognition were included. RESULTS Cognitive impairment is commonly found in GC-related disorders. The main brain areas affected are the hippocampus and pre-frontal cortex, with memory being the most affected domain. Disease duration, circadian rhythm disruption, circulating GCs levels, and unbalanced MR/GR activation are all risk factors for cognitive decline in these patients, albeit with conflicting data among different conditions. Lack of normalization of cognitive dysfunction after treatment is potentially attributable to GC-dependent structural brain alterations, which can persist even after long-term remission. CONCLUSION The recognition of cognitive deficits in patients with GC-related disorders is challenging, often delayed, or mistaken. Prompt recognition and treatment of underlying disease may be important to avoid a long-lasting impact on GC-sensitive areas of the brain. However, the resolution of hormonal imbalance is not always followed by complete recovery, suggesting irreversible adverse effects on the CNS, for which there are no specific treatments. Further studies are needed to find the mechanisms involved, which may eventually be targeted for treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D De Alcubierre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - D Ferrari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Mauro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - J W Tomlinson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - R Pofi
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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Jiang H, Li Z, Sun Y, Ren J, Yan F, Sun Q, Wei H, Bian L. Irreversible Alterations of Susceptibility in Cushing's Disease: A Longitudinal QSM Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2007-2015. [PMID: 36722202 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic exposure to hypercortisolism is associated with accelerated aging and neurodegenerative diseases, while Cushing's disease (CD) is the most common form of endogenous hypercortisolism exposure. This study aimed to assess longitudinal susceptibility changes in CD using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) before and after resolution of hypercortisolism. METHODS In this study, 24 CD patients and 24 healthy controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with QSM. All CD patients underwent MRI scans before and after the curative operation. RESULTS After resolution of hypercortisolism, irreversibly altered susceptibility values were found in the anterior cingulate cortex, frontal lobe, caudate, and red nucleus. These alterations were significantly correlated with the changes in gray matter/white matter volumes and clinical features. Additionally, decreased susceptibility was found in several regions in CD patients. CONCLUSION Chronic exposure to hypercortisolism may be related to susceptibility alterations and significantly correlated with altered brain volumes and clinical features. in CD patients. The decrease of susceptibility might suggest the involvement of the calcium deregulation in these alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Lu Wan Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghao Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhao Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuhua Yan
- Department of Radiology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingfang Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Lu Wan Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjiang Wei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liuguan Bian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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van der Meulen M, Amaya JM, Dekkers OM, Meijer OC. Association between use of systemic and inhaled glucocorticoids and changes in brain volume and white matter microstructure: a cross-sectional study using data from the UK Biobank. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e062446. [PMID: 36041764 PMCID: PMC9438037 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that systemic and inhaled glucocorticoid use is associated with changes in grey matter volume (GMV) and white matter microstructure. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING UK Biobank, a prospective population-based cohort study of adults recruited in the UK between 2006 and 2010. PARTICIPANTS After exclusion based on neurological, psychiatric or endocrinological history, and use of psychotropic medication, 222 systemic glucocorticoid users, 557 inhaled glucocorticoid users and 24 106 controls with available T1 and diffusion MRI data were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes were differences in 22 volumetric and 14 diffusion imaging parameters between glucocorticoid users and controls, determined using linear regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders. Secondary outcomes included cognitive functioning (six tests) and emotional symptoms (four questions). RESULTS Both systemic and inhaled glucocorticoid use were associated with reduced white matter integrity (lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and higher mean diffusivity (MD)) compared with controls, with larger effect sizes in systemic users (FA: adjusted mean difference (AMD)=-3.7e-3, 95% CI=-6.4e-3 to 1.0e-3; MD: AMD=7.2e-6, 95% CI=3.2e-6 to 1.1e-5) than inhaled users (FA: AMD=-2.3e-3, 95% CI=-4.0e-3 to -5.7e-4; MD: AMD=2.7e-6, 95% CI=1.7e-7 to 5.2e-6). Systemic use was also associated with larger caudate GMV (AMD=178.7 mm3, 95% CI=82.2 to 275.0), while inhaled users had smaller amygdala GMV (AMD=-23.9 mm3, 95% CI=-41.5 to -6.2) than controls. As for secondary outcomes, systemic users performed worse on the symbol digit substitution task (AMD=-0.17 SD, 95% CI=-0.34 to -0.01), and reported more depressive symptoms (OR=1.76, 95% CI=1.25 to 2.43), disinterest (OR=1.84, 95% CI=1.29 to 2.56), tenseness/restlessness (OR=1.78, 95% CI=1.29 to 2.41), and tiredness/lethargy (OR=1.90, 95% CI=1.45 to 2.50) compared with controls. Inhaled users only reported more tiredness/lethargy (OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.14 to 1.60). CONCLUSIONS Both systemic and inhaled glucocorticoid use are associated with decreased white matter integrity and limited changes in GMV. This association may contribute to the neuropsychiatric side effects of glucocorticoid medication, especially with chronic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel van der Meulen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jorge Miguel Amaya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf M Dekkers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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5
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Dekkers AJ, Amaya JM, van der Meulen M, Biermasz NR, Meijer OC, Pereira AM. Long-term effects of glucocorticoid excess on the brain. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13142. [PMID: 35980208 PMCID: PMC9541651 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The metabolic and cardiovascular clinical manifestations in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) are generally well known. However, recent studies have broadened the perspective of the effects of hypercortisolism, showing that both endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoid excess alter brain functioning on several time scales. Consequently, cognitive deficits and neuropsychological symptoms are highly prevalent during both active CS and CS in remission, as well as during glucocorticoid treatment. In this review, we discuss the effects of endogenous hypercortisolism and exogenously induced glucocorticoid excess on the brain, as well as the prevalence of cognitive and neuropsychological deficits and their course after biochemical remission. Furthermore, we propose possible mechanisms that may underly neuronal changes, based on experimental models and in vitro studies. Finally, we offer recommendations for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alies J. Dekkers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Pituitary Center and Center for Endocrine TumorsLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
- Department of Medicine, Center for Endocrine Tumours LeidenLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Jorge Miguel Amaya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Pituitary Center and Center for Endocrine TumorsLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Merel van der Meulen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Pituitary Center and Center for Endocrine TumorsLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
- Department of Medicine, Center for Endocrine Tumours LeidenLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Nienke R. Biermasz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Pituitary Center and Center for Endocrine TumorsLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
- Department of Medicine, Center for Endocrine Tumours LeidenLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Onno C. Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Pituitary Center and Center for Endocrine TumorsLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Alberto M. Pereira
- Department of Endocrinology & MetabolismAmsterdam UMC (AMC)AmsterdamThe Netherlands
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Cui M, Zhou T, Feng S, Liu X, Wang F, Zhang Y, Yu X. Altered microstructural pattern of white matter in Cushing's disease identified by automated fiber quantification. Neuroimage Clin 2021; 31:102770. [PMID: 34332193 PMCID: PMC8339293 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that altered brain structure plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neuropsychological abnormalities induced by hypercortisolism in patients with Cushing's disease. While most studies mainly focus on gray matter, white matter structure has been largely overlooked. In the current study, we conducted a cross-sectional diffusion tensor imaging study on 58 patients with Cushing's disease and 54 matched healthy individuals to profile the microstructural pattern using automated fiber quantification and investigate its association with neuroendocrine and neuropsychological deficits. The study revealed that microstructural pattern showed a widespread mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity increase, fractional anisotropy decrease and partial axial diffusivity increase among tracts notably in corpus callosum forceps, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus, uncinate fasciculus and arcuate fasciculus, while within the same tract abnormalities localized to specific positions. Moreover, compromised microstructural pattern of white matter in specific tracts and locations along the trajectory were associated with ACTH and cortisol concentration and cognitive decline in patients with Cushing's disease. Collectively, our study elucidates the form of white matter pathology induced by hypercortisolism and its association with cognitive decline which may provide further targets for early identification and intervention of Cushing's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchu Cui
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, PR China; Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shiyu Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xinyun Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Fuyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yanyang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Xinguang Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
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7
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Amaya JM, Suidgeest E, Sahut-Barnola I, Dumontet T, Montanier N, Pagès G, Keller C, van der Weerd L, Pereira AM, Martinez A, Meijer OC. Effects of Long-Term Endogenous Corticosteroid Exposure on Brain Volume and Glial Cells in the AdKO Mouse. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:604103. [PMID: 33642975 PMCID: PMC7902940 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.604103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic exposure to high circulating levels of glucocorticoids has detrimental effects on health, including metabolic abnormalities, as exemplified in Cushing’s syndrome (CS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have found volumetric changes in gray and white matter of the brain in CS patients during the course of active disease, but also in remission. In order to explore this further, we performed MRI-based brain volumetric analyses in the AdKO mouse model for CS, which presents its key traits. AdKO mice had reduced relative volumes in several brain regions, including the corpus callosum and cortical areas. The medial amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and hypothalamus were increased in relative volume. Furthermore, we found a lower immunoreactivity of myelin basic protein (MBP, an oligodendrocyte marker) in several brain regions but a paradoxically increased MBP signal in the male cingulate cortex. We also observed a decrease in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, a marker for reactive astrocytes) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1, a marker for activated microglia) in the cingulate regions of the anterior corpus callosum and the hippocampus. We conclude that long-term hypercorticosteronemia induced brain region-specific changes that might include aberrant myelination and a degree of white matter damage, as both repair (GFAP) and immune (IBA1) responses are decreased. These findings suggest a cause for the changes observed in the brains of human patients and serve as a background for further exploration of their subcellular and molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Miguel Amaya
- Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Ernst Suidgeest
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Sahut-Barnola
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Typhanie Dumontet
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nathanaëlle Montanier
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Guilhem Pagès
- INRAE, AgroResonance, QuaPA UR370, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Cécile Keller
- INRAE, AgroResonance, QuaPA UR370, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Louise van der Weerd
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Human Genetics Department, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Alberto M Pereira
- Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Antoine Martinez
- INRAE, AgroResonance, QuaPA UR370, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Zhang Y, Zhou T, Feng S, Wang W, Liu H, Wang P, Sha Z, Yu X. The chronic effect of cortisol on orchestrating cerebral blood flow and brain functional connectivity: evidence from Cushing's disease. Metabolism 2021; 115:154432. [PMID: 33197455 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2020.154432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cortisol has long been considered to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of stress-related disorders. Cushing's disease (CD) provides an excellent "hyperexpression model" to investigate the chronic effects of cortisol on brain physiology and cognition. Previous studies have shown that cortisol is associated with neurophysiological alterations in animal models, which has also been examined by neural activity and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in human studies. However, the manner in which cortisol affects the coupling between brain activity and metabolic demand remains largely unknown. METHODS Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging and arterial-spin-labeling imaging to investigate neurophysiological coupling by examining the ratio of CBF and functional connectivity strength (FCS) in 100 participants (47 CD patients and 53 healthy controls). RESULTS The results showed that CD was associated with lower CBF-FCS coupling predominantly in regions involving cognitive processing, such as the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and precuneus, as well as greater CBF-FCS coupling in subcortical structures, including the bilateral thalamus, right putamen, and hippocampus (P < 0.05, false discovery rate corrected). Moreover, regions with disrupted CBF-FCS coupling were associated with cortisol dosage and cognitive decline in CD patients. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings elucidate the effect of cortisol excess on cerebral microenvironment regulation and associated cognitive disturbances in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shiyu Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hailong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhiqiang Sha
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, , University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Xinguang Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
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9
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Xu CX, Jiang H, Zhao ZJ, Sun YH, Chen X, Sun BM, Sun QF, Bian LG. Disruption of Rich-Club Connectivity in Cushing Disease. World Neurosurg 2021; 148:e275-e281. [PMID: 33412326 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.12.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cushing disease (CD) is a rare clinical disease in which brain structural and function are impaired as the result of excessive cortisol. However, little is known whether rich-club organization changes in patients with CD, as visualized on resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), can reverse to normal conditions after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the functional connectivity of rich-club organization is affected and whether any abnormal changes may reverse after TSS. METHODS In this study, 38 patients with active CD, 33 with patients with CD in remission, and 41 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy control participants underwent resting-state fMRI. Brain functional connectivity was constructed based on fMRI and rich club was calculated with graph theory approach. We constructed the functional brain networks for all participants and calculated rich-club connectivity based on fMRI. RESULTS We identified left precuneus, right precuneus, left middle cingulum, right middle cingulum, right inferior temporal, right middle temporal, right lingual, right postcentral, right middle occipital, and right precentral regions as rich club nodes. Compared with healthy control participants, rich-club connectivity was significantly lower in patients with active CD (P < 0.001). Moreover, abnormal rich-club connectivity improved to normal after TSS. CONCLUSIONS Our results show rich-club organization was disrupted in patients with active CD with excessive cortisol production. TSS can reverse abnormal rich-club connectivity. Rich club may be a new indicator to investigate the outcomes of TSS and to increase our understanding of the effect of excessive cortisol on brain functional connectivity in patients with CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can-Xin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Hao Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo-Min Sun
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing-Fang Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Lu-Wan Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liu-Guan Bian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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10
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Neuropsychological and Emotional Functioning in Patients with Cushing's Syndrome. Behav Neurol 2020; 2020:4064370. [PMID: 32831970 PMCID: PMC7428886 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4064370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) frequently report impairments in cognitive and emotional functioning. Given neuroimaging research that implicates alterations in structure and function in the brain in this population, goals of this study were to investigate neuropsychological and emotional functioning, with particular emphasis on complex attention and memory. In a clinical sample of 18 adults with CS referred for neuropsychological evaluation (age 41.6 ± 10.6, 72% Caucasian), patients' most common subjective complaints were in attention and increased irritability. On objective testing, patients exhibited significant declines in the consistency of their sustained attention and visual-spatial functioning compared to normative peers. Patients exhibited on average significantly reduced initial learning following first exposure to visual and verbal stimuli but intact retention of information learned. Patients with CS endorsed highly elevated levels of somatization, depression, and anxiety, and 59% of them scored in the clinically elevated range for somatization and depressive symptomatology. Exploratory analyses suggested that the 11 patients with active Cushing's exhibited lower processing speed, poorer sustained attention, naming, and cognitive flexibility compared to the 7 patients who achieved biochemical remission. Patients with active Cushing's also reported higher levels of somatization and anxiety compared to patients in biochemical remission. Overall, this study provides new insights into complex attention and memory deficits in patients with CS and concern regarding cognitive and emotional issues despite resolution of hypercortisolism. Our study opens several avenues for further exploration.
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11
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Detrimental effects of hypercortisolism on brain structure and related risk factors. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12708. [PMID: 32728036 PMCID: PMC7391644 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68166-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain structural abnormalities are often observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of Cushing's syndrome patients, but the pathogenesis is not fully understood. To understand the relationship between brain structural abnormalities and potential risk factors in active Cushing's disease (CD) patients, a total of 101 treatment-naïve CD patients and 95 sex-, age- and education matched controls with non-functioning adenomas (NFA) underwent clinical evaluation and MRI investigation, and the relative risk factors were analyzed. 14 patients in sustained remission after transsphenoidal surgery were followed. Compared with the NFA subjects, the patients with CD had more cortical (P < 0.01) and subcortical atrophy (P < 0.01) and a higher prevalence of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) (P < 0.01). WMH severity in CD patients positively correlated with age (r = 0.532, P = 0.000), disease course (r = 0.257, P = 0.009), postprandial glucose (r = 0.278, P = 0.005), frequency of left ventricular hypertrophy (r = 0.398, P = 0.001) and hypothyroidism (r = 0.246, P = 0.014). The markers of cortical and subcortical atrophy (sylvian fissure ratio, bifrontal ratio, bicaudate ratio and third ventricle width) were positively associated with the progression of WMH in the CD patients. In the follow-up of 14 patients with CD, brain atrophy and WMH was partially reversible after correction of hypercortisolism. In conclusions, brain atrophy and WMH were more likely to appear in CD patients and were possibly partially reversible following correction of hypercortisolism.
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Impaired brain network architecture in Cushing's disease based on graph theoretical analysis. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:5168-5182. [PMID: 32208364 PMCID: PMC7138581 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102939] [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: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the whole functional brain networks of active Cushing disease (CD) patients about topological parameters (small world and rich club et al.) and compared with healthy control (NC). Nineteen active CD patients and twenty-two healthy control subjects, matched in age, gender, and education, underwent resting-state fMRI. Graph theoretical analysis was used to calculate the functional brain network organizations for all participants, and those for active CD patients were compared for and NCs. Active CD patients revealed higher global efficiency, shortest path length and reduced cluster efficiency compared with healthy control. Additionally, small world organization was present in active CD patients but higher than healthy control. Moreover, rich club connections, feeder connections and local connections were significantly decreased in active CD patients. Functional network properties appeared to be disrupted in active CD patients compared with healthy control. Analyzing the changes that lead to abnormal network metrics will improve our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CD.
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Gao L, Liu L, Shi L, Luo Y, Wang Z, Guo X, Xing B. Dynamic changes of views on the brain changes of Cushing's syndrome using different computer-assisted tool. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2020; 21:185-200. [PMID: 31974674 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-020-09540-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) provides a unique model for assessing the neurotoxic effect of chronic hypercortisolism on human brains. With the ongoing development of different computer-assisted tools, four research stages emerged, each with its own pearls and pitfalls. This review summarizes current knowledge and describes the dynamic changes of views on the brain changes of CS, especially in the current era of the rapid development of artificial intelligence and big data. The adverse effects of GC on brain are proven to be on structural, functional and cellular levels at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
- China Pituitary Disease Registry Center, Chinese Pituitary Adenoma Cooperative Group, Beijing, China.
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Senior Officials Health Care, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Shi
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- BrainNow Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yishan Luo
- BrainNow Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- China Pituitary Disease Registry Center, Chinese Pituitary Adenoma Cooperative Group, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaopeng Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- China Pituitary Disease Registry Center, Chinese Pituitary Adenoma Cooperative Group, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
- China Pituitary Disease Registry Center, Chinese Pituitary Adenoma Cooperative Group, Beijing, China.
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Jiang H, Liu C, Pan SJ, Ren J, He NY, Sun YH, Bian LG, Yan FH, Yang WJ, Sun QF. Reversible and the irreversible structural alterations on brain after resolution of hypercortisolism in Cushing's disease. Steroids 2019; 151:108457. [PMID: 31326450 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The adverse effects of hypercortisolism on the human brain have been highlighted in previous studies of Cushing's disease (CD). However, the reversibility of brain damage after the resolution of hypercortisolism remains unclear. Thus, we studied the potential volumetric reversibility in biochemically remitted CD patients. Cross-sectional analysis demonstrated the active CD patients (n = 61) had the smallest gray matter (GM) volumes (553.33 ± 45.90 CM3) among four groups. While the GM volumes of short-term remitted CD patients (586.62 ± 46.89 CM3, n = 28) and long-term remitted CD patients (596.58 ± 45.95 CM3, n = 35) were between those of the active CD patients and healthy control subjects (628.14 ± 46.88 CM3, n = 74). Moreover, significant positive correlations between remitted time and GM volumes were only found in short-term remitted CD patients. On the contrary, the alterations of white matter (WM) in CD patients seem to be independent of concomitant hypercortisolism, persisting after remission. A preliminary longitude analysis also demonstrated similar results. Volumetric reversibility of GM, but not WM is highly prevalent in short-term after resolution of hypercortisolism in Cushing disease. Our study enhances our understanding of the reversible and the irreversible structural alterations in the human brain due to hypercortisolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Chang Liu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China; College of Information Science and Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Si-Jian Pan
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Na-Ying He
- Department of Radiology, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yu-Hao Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Liu-Guan Bian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Fu-Hua Yan
- Department of Radiology, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wen-Jie Yang
- Department of Radiology, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Qing-Fang Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Lu-Wan Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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Bauduin SEEC, van der Wee NJA, van der Werff SJA. Structural brain abnormalities in Cushing's syndrome. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2018; 25:285-289. [PMID: 29746308 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Alongside various physical symptoms, patients with Cushing's disease and Cushing's syndrome display a wide variety of neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms, which are indicative of involvement of the central nervous system. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the structural brain abnormalities that are associated with Cushing's disease and Cushing's syndrome and their relation to behavioral and cognitive symptomatology. RECENT FINDINGS In this review, we discuss the gray matter structural abnormalities found in patients with active Cushing's disease and Cushing's syndrome, the reversibility and persistence of these changes and the white matter structural changes related to Cushing's syndrome. Recent findings are of particular interest because they provide more detailed information on localization of the structural changes as well as possible insights into the underlying biological processes. SUMMARY Active Cushing's disease and Cushing's syndrome is related to volume reductions of the hippocampus and in a prefrontal region involving the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and medial frontal gyrus (MFG). Whilst there are indications that the reductions in hippocampal volume are partially reversible, the changes in the ACC and MFG appear to be more persistent. In contrast to the volumetric findings, changes in white matter connectivity are typically widespread involving multiple tracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E E C Bauduin
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nic J A van der Wee
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Steven J A van der Werff
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Jiang H, Ren J, He NY, Liu C, Sun YH, Jian FF, Bian LG, Shen JK, Yan FH, Pan SJ, Sun QF. Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging analysis in patients with short-term remission of Cushing's disease. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2017; 87:367-374. [PMID: 28543178 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The data on patients with short-term remission of Cushing's disease (CD) might provide information that is not available from previous long-term remission studies. We aimed to investigate structural changes in the brain in these patients and to examine whether these changes were associated with clinical characteristics. DESIGN A cross-sectional study was performed. METHODS Thirty-four patients with CD (14 with CD in short-term remission and 20 with active CD) and 34 controls matched for age, sex and education underwent clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging brain scans. Biometric measurements, disease duration and remission duration data were collected. Grey matter volumes in the whole brain were examined using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). RESULTS No differences were observed in the grey matter volumes of the medial frontal gyrus (MFG) and cerebellum between the patients with remitted CD and healthy controls, whereas patients with active CD had smaller grey matter volumes in these two regions compared with controls and patients with remitted CD. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between remission time and grey matter values in these regions in short-term remission patients with CD. Additionally, greater grey matter volumes in the bilateral caudate of short-term remission patients with CD were observed. CONCLUSIONS Trends for structural restoration were found in CD patients with short-term remission. This finding was associated with the number of days elapsed since curative surgery and the current age of the patients. This study enhances our understanding of potential reversibility after the resolution of hypercortisolism in CD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Na-Ying He
- Department of Radiology, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Liu
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-Hao Sun
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang-Fang Jian
- Department of Endocrinology, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu-Guan Bian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Kang Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu-Hua Yan
- Department of Radiology, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Jian Pan
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing-Fang Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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