Abstract #2682

DTI reveals altered structural connectivity of pain-associated regions in a genetic variant of small fiber neuropathy

Gerhard Drenthen¹, Amir Far², Catharina Faber², Jaymin Upadhyay³, David Linden⁴, Raquel van Gool⁴, Walter Backes¹, Janneke Hoeijmakers², and Jacobus Jansen¹

¹Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands, ²Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands, ³Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, ⁴School for Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands

Synopsis

Keywords: Brain Connectivity, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Chornic painPatients with small fiber neuropathy (SFN) suffer from chronic pain, which may lead to cerebral changes. Here, we studied structural network changes in idiopathic- and genetic-SFN compared to controls using diffusion-MRI. We found that for the genetic-SFN group pain-associated regions take a more prominent place in the network (in terms of nodal importance). Furthermore, in the genetic-SFN group, a higher nodal importance of pain-associated regions related to lower self-reported pain. This shows that genetic-SFN has a distinct structural pain pathway, which may be indicative of a compensatory mechanism where the structural organization is altered to inhibit the response to pain.

How to access this content:

For one year after publication, abstracts and videos are only open to registrants of this annual meeting. Registrants should use their existing login information. Non-registrant access can be purchased via the ISMRM E-Library.

After one year, current ISMRM & ISMRT members get free access to both the abstracts and videos. Non-members and non-registrants must purchase access via the ISMRM E-Library.

After two years, the meeting proceedings (abstracts) are opened to the public and require no login information. Videos remain behind password for access by members, registrants and E-Library customers.

Click here for more information on becoming a member.