Изучение функциональной коннективности головного мозга у пациентов с асимптомным каротидным стенозом

Abstract

Purpose: To explore functional connectivity in patients with asymptomatic internal carotid arteries stenosis of more than 60% when using hirudotherapy. Materials and methods: The analysis of the results of the examination of 15 patients aged 60 to 82 years with asymptomatic stenosis of the carotid arteries in the range of 60‒75 % was carried out. The patients underwent a course of hirudotherapy, consisting of 10 sessions. All patients underwent structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging with analysis of statistical data at rest, complaints and neurological status were assessed ‒ before and after the course of hirudotherapy. Results: When using a course of hirudotherapy in patients with asymptomatic internal carotid arteries tenosis, when analyzing the neurological status and complaints, a significant improvement in well-being was noted. During functional magnetic resonance imaging, differences in functional connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex and other areas of the brain were determined. Activation was noted in the main structures of the network of managerial control and identification of significance. Connectivity between the leading regions of the brain increased, which is a sign of improved brain activity. Conclusion: Connectivity research can be used to study the functioning of brain networks and to determine the effectiveness of therapy. The course of hirudotherapy significantly changed the functional connectivity of the brain regions, the changes correlated with a decrease in the number of complaints. This work is a pilot and will be continued for the further development of treatment-and-prophylactic strategies with the inclusion of hirudotherapy in patients with a high risk of vascular accidents in a treatment.