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Abstract #3553

Abnormalities of the Brain Connectome in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Massimo Filippi1, Paola Valsasina1, Sara Sala1, 2, Alessandro Meani1, Andrea Falini3, Giancarlo Comi4, Maria A. Rocca1

1Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, MI, Italy; 2Department of Statistics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, MI, Italy; 3Department of Neuroradiology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, MI, Italy; 4Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, MI, Italy

Aim of this study was to analyze graph theoretical properties of functional networks in a large cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Resting state fMRI data were acquired from 246 MS patients (121 relapsing-remitting [RR] MS, 80 secondary progressive [SP] MS, and 45 benign [B] MS) and 55 matched healthy controls. Graph analysis showed a disrupted organization of the brain connectome in MS patients compared with controls. Loss of efficiency and failure of the frontal lobe seem to be associated with a more severe clinical disability.

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Keywords

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