title: Dysfunction of default-mode network in encephalopathy with a reversible corpus callosum lesion.
abstract: Increasing attention has been paid recently to the study of spontaneous brain activity; moreover, particular attention has been paid to the concept of a default-mode network of brain function. Although the functional significance of the default-mode network remains a matter of debate, it has been suggested to be a candidate for the network subserving basic functions related to consciousness. We report the case of a 29-year-old man with encephalopathy and a reversible lesion of the entire corpus callosum. Despite resolution of corpus callosum lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 1 week, the patient persistently presented disturbance of consciousness. Resting-state functional MRI revealed that the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus was functionally disconnected from other brain regions within the default-mode network. Our case report suggests that assessment of the functional connectivity in the resting-state default-mode network could be a useful marker of consciousness disturbance even in the presence of a reversible brain lesion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Shimane University School of Medicine, Izumo, Japan. shingomi@med.shimane-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Shingo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mitaki
authors.forename: Keiichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Onoda
authors.forename: Masaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ishihara
authors.forename: Yoko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nabika
authors.forename: Shuhei
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yamaguchi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003337:Corpus Callosum / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D020925:Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology