Resting-state functional brain networks in hypertensive retinopathy.

OBJECTIVE

Hypertensive retinopathy (HR) is known to have effects on the brain's function. This neuroimaging investigation aimed to evaluate alterations in functional network connectivity and the topological properties of brain networks in in patients with HR.

METHODS

The study involved twenty patients with HR and forty-one healthy controls (HC), all of whom underwent resting-state functional MRI scans. Independent component analysis and graph theory analysis were calculated to identify functional connectivity and topological property abnormalities between the two groups.

RESULTS

Compared to HC, patients with HR demonstrated increased internetwork functional connectivity. Furthermore, these patients showed increased intranetwork functional connectivity within the right precuneus of the default mode network. Graph theory analysis revealed that both groups demonstrated a small-world topology. However, significant differences were observed in global and regional network metrics in HR patients compared to HC.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the alterations in functional connectivity and topological properties of brain networks in patients with HR, offering valuable insights into the potential neural mechanisms underlying their condition.