Changes in structural connectivity of the facial perception network in long-term survivors of pediatric medulloblastoma.

Motivation: The relationship between therapy for medulloblastoma (MB) and altered structural brain connectivity has not yet been elucidated. Goal(s): We hypothesized that long-term survivors of MB would present with decreased structural connectivity in the facial perception network due to treatment. Approach: The connectivity of the facial perception network was assessed for 53 MB survivors and compared to 61 age matched controls. Results: Significant differences indicated lower connectivity strength in regions of the posterior cingulate and bilaterally between the lateral occipital cortex and the fusiform face complex in MB survivors compared to controls. Impact: Therapy for MB has detrimental impacts on connectivity of brain structures critical to facial perception. Identification of the most impacted circuits that lead to decreased neurocognitive performance will facilitate the design of future interventions.