Over the years, several studies have demonstrated the effects of cognitive rhinosinusitis. However, the potential link between the underlying neural disease and higher-order neural processing is not known. This study aims to demonstrate the association of sinonasal inflammation with functional brain connectivity.
This case-control study included a total of 22 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and 22 healthy controls. Participants in the rhinosinusitis group were further stratified into moderate and severe inflammation groups. Participants with a history of psychiatric disorders, neurological disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease were excluded. The primary outcome of the study was the difference in resting-state functional brain connectivity (Fc).
The findings suggested that patients with sinonasal inflammation had lower Fc within the frontoparietal network involving bilateral frontal medial cortices. This region showcased increased Fc to two nodes and decreased Fc to 1 node with the default-mode network and salience network, respectively. The magnitude of these differences elevated with the severity of inflammation; however, no significant associations were seen on cognitive testing.
This case-control study concluded that participants with sinonasal inflammation had reduced brain connectivity within a major functional hub. However, future studies are needed to further warrant the effect of sinonasal inflammation on functional brain connectivity.
Ref: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-abstract/2778439?resultClick=1
