Abnormal intrinsic brain functional network dynamics in delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning

Delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) is the most severe and prevalent neurological sequela associated with carbon monoxide exposure. This study aims to investigate the time-varying characteristics of dynamic brain networks and their topological properties in DEACMP patients using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). We conducted Functional MRI scans and clinical assessments for 25 DEACMP patients and 25 healthy controls (HCs). To capture the variability patterns of dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) between the two groups, we employed a sliding time window analysis method. Additionally, theoretical graph analysis was utilized to examine the variations in the topological properties of whole-brain functional networks. We found that DEACMP patients have two dFC states characterized by different connection patterns, State 1 and State2, and there were multiple inter-network and intra-network dynamic interactions in State2.Next, Abnormal dFC indicators were related to the MoCA scores. Finally, the dynamic brain network topological properties were variable. These findings may provide valuable insights into the disruptions in local information transmission and processing functions within the brain's functional networks in individuals with DEACMP.