Functional MRI in the assessment of changes in the brain connectome in patients with post-mastectomy syndrome

Introduction. In the postoperative period after total mastectomy, patients develop postmastectomy syndrome, including upper limb lymphedema and a number of neuropsychiatric disorders that affect the functional state of the brain and reduce the quality of life.
Purpose of the study. Evaluation of changes in functional connectivity of the default mode network in patients with post-mastectomy syndrome using resting state functional MRI.
Materials and methods. Resting state functional MRI was performed to 46 patients aged 30 to 50 years with neurological disorders in the late postoperative period (>6 months) after radical mastectomy for breast cancer, as well as 20 healthy women from the control group.
Results. According to the intergroup statistical analysis, there were differences in functional connectivity of the default mode network in all 46 patients with post-mastectomy syndrome, compared to the control group (p<0,01).
Conclusion. The revealed changes in the functional connectivity of the default mode network of the brain indicate the functional reorganization of the brain connectome in patients with neurological manifestations of post-mastectomy syndrome. 

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