Longitudinal resting-state network changes in treatment-resistant OCD patients following MR-guided Focused Ultrasound Capsulotomy

Motivation: MR-guided focused ultrasound capsulotomy is a surgical procedure to treat intractable OCD. While demonstrating clinical success, the mechanisms of symptom decrease are poorly understood. Goal(s): This study sought to explore how intrinsic brain networks change following surgery. Approach: Seed-based resting state fMRI was used to analyze intrinsic networks in a group of 6 OCD patients prior to and following surgery, along with a matched control group. Results: Prior to surgery, OCD patients showed greater connectivity within internally-focused networks, and less connectivity in those involved in external cognition. One year following surgery, these connectivity differences were substantially reduced relative to controls. Impact: This study will appeal to neuroscientists interested in resting-state networks involved with OCD, as well as in how these networks change following a MRgFUS surgical procedure which produced substantial clinical improvement.