Repeatability of graph theoretical metrics derived from resting-state functional networks in paediatric epilepsy patients

Objective:To measure the repeatability of metrics that quantify brain network architecture derived from resting-state functional MRI in a cohort of paediatric patients with epilepsy.Methods:We identified patients with: (1) epilepsy; (2) brain MRI at 3 T; (3) two identical resting-state functional MRI acquisitions performed on the same day. Undirected, weighted networks were constructed based on the resting-state time series using a range of processing parameters including parcellation size and graph threshold. The following topological properties were calculated: degree, strength, characteristic path length, global efficiency, clustering coefficient, modularity and small worldness. Based on repeated measures, we then calculated: (1) Pearson correlation coefficient; (2) intraclass correlation coefficient; (3) root-mean-square coefficient of variation; (4) repeatability coefficient; and (5) 95% confidence limits for change.Results:26 patients were included (age range: 4–21 years). Correlation coefficients d...