20 patients performed the initial scan session, 14 patients and 10 patients were evaluated at 3 and 6 months respectively. Results show hypometabolisms in bilateral frontopolar and orbitofrontal cortex, and also in Broca’s area at baseline. We found no association between mRS score at 6 months and brain activation at baseline. The initial activation of Cingular Anterior Cortex (CCA) showed moderate correlation with motor recovery assessed with the EDSS at 3 months (r= -0.62 and -0.64, CCA right and left respectively) whereas the activation of Caudate Nucleus (CN) at baseline was linked with worsening of motor symptoms (r= 0.65, left CN). Finally, clinical improvement between baseline and 6 months (EDSS) was associated to an increase of metabolism in Subgenual left CCA (r= -0.67), in Inferior right Temporal Gyrus (r=-0.62) and in Angular right Gyrus (r= -0.67) between baseline and 3 months.

Preliminary results of the HYCORE study show an altered activation of frontal regions at baseline, including the orbitofrontal cortex in patients with motor conversion disorder. Our findings suggest that brain markers are associated with recovery and the existence of “state markers” associated with motor disability.