Assessment of Functional connectivity in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome using 7Tesla MRI.

Motivation: To assess Functional Connectivity (FC) differences between healthy individuals and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients using ultra-high-field fMRI. Goal(s): Are there significant FC differences between brainstem and cerebellum regions comparing ME/CFS and healthy controls? Is there any association between clinical measures and FC in ME/CFS?Approach: fMRI data were acquired on 7Tesla scanner during cognitive Stroop color-word task. Using a-priori regions, FC was assessed in CONN toolbox. Results: Weaker FC was observed between brainstem and cerebellum regions along with altered FC within the intrinsic network hubs which supports our hypothesis of connectivities being defective in ME/CFS within those regions. Impact: FC analyses using ultra-high-field MRI facilitates our understanding of the underlying patho-mechanisms of the cognitive deficits in ME/CFS and their progression.