Visual evoked functional connectivity before and after smoking cessation based on functional magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

To explore differences in visual information processing for smoking addicts between before and after smoking cessation based on functional magnetic resonance imaging technology. Methods: Seventeen volunteers, with heavy dependence on nicotine, agreed to give up smoking and to complete the test. The primary visual network and secondary visual network were extracted by independent component analysis technology. The region of interest was defined as the region with significant difference between before and after smoking cessation. The functional connectivity analysis was carried out based on the selected region of interest. Results: After the subjects quitting smoking for 14 days, the increased functional connectivity was observed not only within secondary visual network but also between 2 interested networks; however, no functional connectivity was changed within primary visual network. Conclusion: The ability of visual information processing for smoking addicts could be significantly enhanced after 14 days of smoking cessation.