The effects of altered intrathoracic pressure on resting cerebral blood flow and its response to visual stimulation

► We examined how alterations in intrathoracic pressure affect cerebral blood flow. ► Decreased intrathoracic pressure increased global cerebral blood flow. ► The perfusion response to visual stimulation remained unaffected. ► Localized perfusion increases were observed that related to respiratory work. ► Alterations in intrathoracic pressure may confound interpretation of FMRI.