Address reprint requests to: Y.L., 12 Middle Wulumuqizhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China. E-mail: [email protected], or L.Y., 12 Middle Wulumuqizhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China. E-mail: [email protected]

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Yuxin Li PhD,

Corresponding Author

Yuxin Li PhD

[email protected]

Department of Radiology, HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

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Rong Wang MD,

Rong Wang MD

Department of Radiology, HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Shanghai Institution of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China

Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

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Chong Sun PhD,

Chong Sun PhD

Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

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Jie Lin PhD,

Jie Lin PhD

Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

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Ne Chen PhD,

Ne Chen PhD

Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

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Bin Hu PhD,

Bin Hu PhD

Shanghai Institution of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China

Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

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Xueling Liu PhD,

Xueling Liu PhD

orcid.org/0000-0002-1365-6813

Shanghai Institution of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China

Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

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Daoying Geng PhD,

Daoying Geng PhD

Department of Radiology, HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Shanghai Institution of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China

Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

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Liqin Yang PhD,

Corresponding Author

Liqin Yang PhD

[email protected]

Department of Radiology, HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

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Yuxin Li PhD,

Corresponding Author

Yuxin Li PhD

[email protected]

Department of Radiology, HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

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First published: 31 August 2020

https://doi.org/10.1002/jmri.27353

Citations: 6

Rong Wang and Chong Sun contribute equally to this study.

Contract grant sponsor: Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality; Contract grant numbers: 17411953700, 19ZR1407900.

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Abstract

Background

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a rare maternally inherited genetic disease; however, little is known about its underlying brain basis. Furthermore, the dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) of brain networks in MELAS has not been explored.

Purpose

To investigate the abnormalities of dFC in patients with MELAS at the acute and chronic stages, and to determine the possible relations between dynamic connectivity alterations and volumes of stroke-like lesions (SLLs).

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Twenty-two MELAS patients at the acute stage, 23 MELAS patients at the chronic stage, and 22 healthy controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

Single-shot gradient-recalled echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence at 3T.

Assessment

Dynamic FC states were estimated using the sliding window approach and k-means clustering analyses. Combined with graph theory, the topological properties of the dFC network were also accessed.

Statistical Tests

Permutation test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and false discovery rate correction.

Results

We identified four dFC states and found that MELAS patients (especially at the acute stage) spent more time in a state with weaker connectivity (state 1) and less time in states with stronger connectivity. In addition, volumes of acute SLLs were positively correlated with mean dwell time in state 1 (r = 0.539, P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the number of transitions (r = −0.520, P < 0.05). Furthermore, MELAS patients at the acute stage exhibited significantly increased global efficiency (P < 0.01) and decreased local efficiency (P < 0.001) compared to the controls and the patients at the chronic stage. Patients at the chronic stage only showed significantly (P < 0.001) decreased local efficiency compared to the controls.

Data Conclusion

Our findings suggest similar and distinct dFC alterations in MELAS patents at the acute and chronic stages, providing novel insights for understanding the neuropathological mechanisms of MELAS.

Level of Evidence 2

Technical Efficacy Stage Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:427–436.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Supporting Information

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Citing Literature

Volume53, Issue2

February 2021

Pages 427-436

Altered Dynamic Functional Connectivity in Patients With Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy With Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-Like Episodes (MELAS) at Acute and Chronic Stages: Shared and Specific Brain Connectivity Abnormalities

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Study Type

Subjects

Field Strength/Sequence

Assessment

Statistical Tests

Results

Data Conclusion

Conflict of Interest

Supporting Information

References

Citing Literature

References

Information

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Altered Dynamic Functional Connectivity in Patients With Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy With Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-Like Episodes (MELAS) at Acute and Chronic Stages: Shared and Specific Brain Connectivity Abnormalities

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Study Type

Subjects

Field Strength/Sequence

Assessment

Statistical Tests

Results

Data Conclusion

Conflict of Interest

Supporting Information

References

Citing Literature

References

Related

Information