Wide-spectrum framework in Disorders of Arousal: combined resting state connectivity and metabolic study of cingulate cortex

Motivation: A comprehensive framework for the characterization of Disorders of Arousal (DoA) in adulthood is lacking, and the brain metabolic and functional mechanisms underlying this disorder are still unknown. Goal(s): To fill this gap, we aimed to quantitatively investigate the cingulate cortex in DoA through advanced brain MRI, combined with thorough neuropsychological evaluations. Approach: We collected and compared resting-state, 1H-MRS and clinical data from adult patients diagnosed with DoA and a matched group of healthy controls. Results: We identified metabolic and functional alterations in regions involving the limbic system and changes in the connectivity of the sensorimotor network crucial for understanding the pathology. Impact: Through a combined MR imaging investigation and psychological assessments, we extracted results in the form of brain metabolic and functional quantitative markers that advance our knowledge on the brain alterations underlying Disorders of Arousal.