Unaltered frontoparietal white matter connectivity in first-episode psychosis patients
Poster No:
556
Submission Type:
Abstract Submission
Authors:
Jongrak Kim1, Hyungyou Park1, Inkyung Park1, Moonyoung Jang2, Sunghyun Park2, Minah Kim2, Jun Soo Kwon3
Institutions:
1Seoul National University, Seoul, Seoul, 2Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Seoul, 3Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, Seoul
First Author:
Co-Author(s):
Jun Soo Kwon
Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences
Seoul, Seoul
Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences
Seoul, Seoul
Introduction:
The Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus (SLF), a component of the frontoparietal network (FPN) comprising white matter, establishes connections between the frontal and parietal lobes and plays a role in various facets of first-episode psychosis (FEP) according to functional and structural studies. Previous neuroimaging investigations have demonstrated structural abnormalities in a whole SLF bundle among FEP patients. However, there remains an insufficient comprehension of the white matter (WM) integrity pertaining to its three distinct anatomical sub-components, utilizing a suitable methodology. Hence, this study seeks to determine whether compromised WM integrity is observable in the sub-components of the SLF among FEP patients through better technique.
Methods:
In this study, we obtained diffusion-weighted imaging data from 39 individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis (FEP) and 110 healthy controls (HCs) at Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH). We then processed this data into diffusion tensor imaging using FSL. Whole-brain deterministic tractography was subsequently executed by StarTrack, employing two algorithms (Richardson-Lucy and Euler algorithm). Within the TrackVis program, we accurately reconstructed the three subdivisions of the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), designated as SLF I, II, and III, relying on their anatomical characteristics. From these reconstructed SLF subdivisions on both sides, we evaluated three diffusion indices (fractional anisotropy, FA; mean diffusivity, MD; radial diffusivity, RD). These indices were then subjected to a comparative analysis between the two groups using R statistical programs.
·Virtual reconstruction of superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) 1, 2, and 3 on the brain template and B0 image
Results:
Among a total of 18 diffusivities (six SLF subcomponents for three DTI indices; FA, MD, and RD), there is no significant difference between FEP patients and HCs in white matter (WM) integrity within the subdivisions of SLFs (SLF I, II, and III), as determined by ANOVA. This analysis controls for age, sex, and the total number (sum of all six subcomponents) of streamlines, applying multiple comparison corrections.
·Results of ANCOVAs for group white matter integrity differences in terms of three diffusivities (fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity) in all six SLF subcomponents
Conclusions:
Our study reveals that the SLF sub-divisions in FEP patients did not display noteworthy differences in comparison to those in HCs. These findings do not provide the substantiated early progressive modifications in white matter (WM) integrity within the SLF of FEP patients. Nonetheless, we posit that significant alterations may become apparent during the chronic phases of psychosis rather than in the initial stages, aligning with some studies suggesting relatively intact connectivity in the frontoparietal network (FPN) of early psychosis patients. This perspective contributes to a novel understanding of the pathophysiology of FEP within the segmented SLF WM architecture.
Disorders of the Nervous System:
Psychiatric (eg. Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia) 1
Modeling and Analysis Methods:
Connectivity (eg. functional, effective, structural)
Diffusion MRI Modeling and Analysis
Motion Correction and Preprocessing
Neuroanatomy, Physiology, Metabolism and Neurotransmission:
White Matter Anatomy, Fiber Pathways and Connectivity 2
Keywords:
Schizophrenia
STRUCTURAL MRI
Tractography
White Matter
WHITE MATTER IMAGING - DTI, HARDI, DSI, ETC
Other - Superior longitudinal fasciculus; First-episode Psychosis
1|2Indicates the priority used for review
Provide references using author date format
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