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[Brain structural abnormalities of bipolar disorder]
A Kaladjian1, P Mazzola-Pomietto, R Jeanningros
1SHU Psychiatrie Adultes, CHU Sainte-Marguerite, 13274 Marseille cedex 09.
L'Encephale
|November 14, 2006
Summary
Structural neuroimaging reveals consistent white matter hyperintensities and ventricular enlargement in bipolar disorder. Brain abnormalities, particularly in fronto-limbic regions, suggest altered emotional processing loops.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging and Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
Context:
- Increasing structural neuroimaging studies investigate cerebral abnormalities in bipolar disorder.
- Existing literature highlights white matter hyperintensities and ventricular enlargement.
- Research explores the link between these abnormalities and genetic factors or early illness stages.
Purpose:
- To provide a selective review of key findings in structural neuroimaging of bipolar disorder.
- To synthesize consistent observations and discuss variability in morphometric abnormalities.
- To highlight the role of fronto-limbic circuits in bipolar disorder pathophysiology.
Summary:
- Consistent findings include increased periventricular and deep subcortical white matter hyperintensities on MRI, and mild ventricular enlargement, predominantly in the right lateral ventricle.
- While total cerebral volume is preserved, reduced white matter volume may indicate genetic predisposition. Cortical and subcortical regions, including frontal, temporal, and limbic areas, show volume changes.
- Abnormalities are asymmetrically distributed, with left hemisphere increases (prefrontal, temporal, amygdala) and right hemisphere deficits, correlating with mania following brain injury.
Impact:
- Findings underscore the role of fronto-limbic circuits in emotional processing and bipolar disorder pathophysiology.
- Structural brain alterations provide insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of the disorder.
- This review consolidates current knowledge, guiding future research directions in bipolar disorder neuroimaging.
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