ID 95 – Functional reorganization of brain networks in patients with painful chronic pancreatitis. Issue 3 (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Valeriani, M.; Lelic, D.; Olesen, S.S.; Hansen, T.M.; Drewes, A.M.
• Is Part Of: Clinical neurophysiology. Volume 127:Issue 3(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: e114
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Electroencephalography -- Periodicals; Electromyography -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2015.11.386
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1388-2457

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To investigate the organization of brain networks involved in nociceptive processing in patients with painful CP. Methods: Contact heat-evoked potentials (CHEPs) were recorded in 15 CP patients and in 15 healthy volunteers. The upper abdominal area (sharing spinal innervation with the pancreatic gland) was used as a proxy of 'pancreatic stimulation', while stimulation of the right forearm was used as a control. The brain source organization of CHEP components was analysed. Results: After abdominal stimulation, brain source analysis revealed abnormalities in the cingulate/operculo-insular network. A posterior shift of the operculo-insular source ( p = 0.004) and an anterior shift of the cingulate source ( p < 0.001) were seen in CP patients, along with a decreased strength of the cingulate source ( p = 0.01). The operculo-insular shift was positively correlated with the severity of pain ( r = 0.61; p = 0.03). Conclusions: CP patients showed abnormal cerebral processing after stimulation of the upper abdominal area. These changes correlated with the severity of pain, probably reflecting maladaptive neuroplastic changes. Key message: CHEP recording can represent a non-invasive neurophysiological technique to explore visceral pain.