Meta-analysis of the Correlation Between Cognitive Function and Imaging Features in Hepatic Encephalopathy

 This study aimed to systematically evaluate the correlation between cognitive function and brain imaging findings in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE).

 We searched PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases to obtain literature on cognitive function and the diagnosis of HE via brain imaging from the establishment of the databases to March 20, 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies. RevMan v. 5.3 software was used in the meta-analysis.

 A total of 14 articles were included. The meta-analysis showed that digit symbol test (DST) scores and psychometric HE scores (PHES) were positively correlated with the imaging findings of the frontal lobe in patients with HE, with correlation coefficients of 0.49 (Z = 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.23 ~ 0.83) and 0.52 (Fisher’s Z: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.41 ~ 0.76), respectively. The number connection test-A reaction times were negatively correlated with the signal in the globus pallidus, with a correlation coefficient of -0.23 (Z = - 0.23; 95% CI: - 0.43~ - 0.03); DST scores were positively correlated with the signal in the globus pallidus, with a correlation coefficient of 0.45 (Z = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.29 ~ 0.69); and PHES were positively correlated with the mean peak of grey matter, with a correlation coefficient of 0.52 (Z = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.46 ~ 0.73).

 Imaging findings are related to the cognitive function of patients with HE. Therefore, they can be used to evaluate the cognitive function of these patients and promptly intervene in and prevent the progression of the disease.