The changes in the topological properties of brain structural network based on diffusion tensor imaging in pediatric epilepsy patients with vagus nerve stimulators: A graph theoretical analysis

PurposeThis study aimed to analyze the topological characteristics of brain structural network in pediatric epilepsy patients with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) by applying graph theoretical approaches.MethodsNine generalized seizures and eight normal controls (NC) were enrolled. Based on diffusion tensor imaging, theory analysis was used characterize properties preoperative (EP-pre), postoperative (EP-post) NC. The global included clustering coefficient (Cp), shortest path length (Lp), small-worldness (γ, λ, δ), efficiency (Eg) local (Eloc). regional degree centrality (DC), nodal (NE), (NLE) (Np). Two sample t-test paired utilized compare difference.ResultsAll three groups followed small-world characteristics. There no significant difference small-worldness, Cp, Lp, Eg or Eloc between EP-pre EP-post. Compared EP-pre: DC EP-post decreased right cuneus temporal gyri, while increased paracentral lobule; NE left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, cuneus, supramarginal rolandic operculum, NLE posterior cingulate gyrus parahippocampal gyrus; NP lobule, cuneus.ConclusionVNS causes changes through regulating some structures.