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Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Structural brain MR imaging changes associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder in patients with multiple sclerosis

E Tinelli1, A Francia, E M Quartuccio

  • 1Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Universitá 30, 00185 Rome, Italy. ematine@libero.it

AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|July 24, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in multiple sclerosis (MS) may stem from damage to the right frontotemporal cortex, specifically affecting gray matter (GM) volume. This contrasts with white matter (WM) integrity, which showed no significant differences between groups.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) frequently presents with psychiatric symptoms, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
  • OCD significantly impacts the daily lives of patients with MS.
  • The widespread gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) involvement in MS is hypothesized to contribute to psychiatric conditions like OCD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between GM and WM tissue damage and the presence of OCD in patients with MS.
  • To identify specific brain structural changes associated with OCD in the MS population.

Main Methods:

  • The study included 16 patients with relapsing-remitting MS and OCD, and 15 matched controls with MS but no psychiatric disorders.
  • Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging utilized 3D T1-weighted, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), and conventional MRI sequences.
  • Image analysis employed SPM5, FSL, and Jim 5.0 software for evaluating Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM), Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS), and lesion volumes (LV).

Main Results:

  • VBM analysis revealed reduced GM volume in the right inferior and middle temporal gyri, and the inferior frontal gyrus in the OCD group compared to controls.
  • No significant differences in fractional anisotropy (FA) values were detected between the groups using TBSS.
  • Global and regional lesion volumes (LV) did not differ significantly between the OCD and control groups.

Conclusions:

  • OCD in patients with MS is associated with localized gray matter damage in the right frontotemporal cortex.
  • White matter integrity and overall lesion load do not appear to be primary drivers of OCD in this MS cohort.
  • Findings suggest a specific neuroanatomical basis for OCD in MS, implicating right frontotemporal structures.

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