Brain functional connectivity in hyperthyroid patients: systematic review

Ephrem Tesfaye; Mihret Getnet; Desalegn Anmut Bitew; Dagnew Getnet Adugna; Lemlemu Maru

doi:10.3389/fnins.2024.1383355

Brain functional connectivity in hyperthyroid patients: systematic review

Front Neurosci. 2024 Apr 24:18:1383355. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1383355. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Ephrem Tesfaye¹, Mihret Getnet^{2

3}, Desalegn Anmut Bitew⁴, Dagnew Getnet Adugna⁵, Lemlemu Maru²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biomedical Sciences, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Robe, Ethiopia.
² Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
³ Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
⁴ Department of Reproductive Health, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
⁵ Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Introduction: Functional connectivity (FC) is the correlation between brain regions' activities, studied through neuroimaging techniques like fMRI. It helps researchers understand brain function, organization, and dysfunction. Hyperthyroidism, characterized by high serum levels of free thyroxin and suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone, can lead to mood disturbance, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric symptoms. Excessive thyroid hormone exposure can enhance neuronal death and decrease brain volume, affecting memory, attention, emotion, vision, and motor planning.

Methods: We conducted thorough searches across Google Scholar, PubMed, Hinari, and Science Direct to locate pertinent articles containing original data investigating FC measures in individuals diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.

Results: The systematic review identified 762 articles, excluding duplicates and non-matching titles and abstracts. Four full-text articles were included in this review. In conclusion, a strong bilateral hippocampal connection in hyperthyroid individuals suggests a possible neurobiological influence on brain networks that may affect cognitive and emotional processing.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, CRD42024516216.

Keywords: brain; fMRI; functional connectivity; hyperthyroid; resting-state fMRI.

Publication types

Systematic Review

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.