Abnormal Static and Dynamic Functional Connectivity in Left and Right Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Abstract

ObjectiveTemporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) can be conceptualized as a network disease. However, the network characteristics in lateralization remain controversial.MethodsIn this study, resting-state functional MRI scans were acquired from 53 TLE patients [22 with left-side TLE (LTLE) and 31 with right-side TLE (RTLE)] and 37 matched healthy controls. We focused on the characteristics of static and dynamic functional connectivity, including static connectivity patterns and topological properties, as well as temporal properties of the dynamic connectivity state and the variability of the dynamic connectivity and network topological organization. Correlation analyses were conducted between abnormal static and dynamic properties and cognitive performances.ResultsThe static functional connectivity analysis presented a significantly decreased cortical-cortical connectivity pattern and increased subcortical-cortical connectivity pattern in RTLE. The global-level network in RTLE showed a significant decrease in global efficiency. The dynamic functional connectivity analysis revealed that RTLE patients exhibited aberrant connectivity states, as well as increased variability in the subcortical-cortical connectivity. The global-level network in RTLE revealed increased variance in global efficiency and local efficiency. The static or dynamic functional connectivity in LTLE did not show any significant abnormalities. The altered dynamic properties were associated with worsening cognitive performance in language and conceptual thinking by the TLE patients.ConclusionOur findings demonstrated the presence of abnormalities in the static and dynamic functional connectivity of TLE patients. RTLE patients exhibited more pronounced aberrant connectivity patterns and topological properties, which might represent a mechanism for reconfiguration of brain networks in RTLE patients. These observations extended our understanding of the pathophysiological network mechanisms of TLE.

Abnormal brain functional network dynamics in sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy

“…Compared with HC, patients with SHE spend more time in state 2 (predominantly positive connections between networks) and less in state 1. This altered stability in network connectivity demonstrated the fragility of FC in the brain of patients with SHE 28,41 . Besides, the brain was an organ with strong adaptability.…”

More than just statics: Static and temporal dynamic changes in intrinsic brain activity in unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy

“…Zhang et al (2010) and Amiri et al (2020) have separately demonstrated that the utility of ALFF analysis and graph theory application to brain network analysis might be a potential biomarker to assist in the determination of TLE laterality. Pang et al (Li et al, 2022) found that RTLE patients exhibited more pronounced aberrant connectivity patterns and topological properties revealed by static or dynamic functional connectivity. Consequently, a subgroup analysis is necessary in the future study.…”

“…In a literature search of the aforementioned IBA dynamic indicators, most research on TLE was found to focus on dynamic FC studies ( Jiang et al, 2020 ; Li et al, 2022 ; Pang et al, 2022 ). However, the relevant studies which applied the other dynamic indicators, such as dALFF, dfALFF, dReHo, dDC, dVMHC and dGSCorr, in TLE patients could not be retrieved.…”

Large-scale dysfunctional white matter and grey matter networks in patients with social anxiety disorder

“…The SMN and VIS represent the perceptual networks and play a critical role in lower-level cognitive processing ( Liu et al., 2015 ). They are together responsible for information communication with the external environment ( Pang et al., 2021 ). Aberrant activity in VIS and SMN has been found both in the resting state and responding to social threat in SAD patients.…”