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White matter differences in euthymic bipolar I disorder: a combined magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor
Louise Emsell1, Camilla Langan, Wim Van Hecke
1Clinical Neuroimaging Laboratory, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland; Translational MRI, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven and Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Bipolar Disorders
|April 30, 2013
Summary
Euthymic bipolar I disorder is linked to widespread white matter deficits, particularly in the corpus callosum and prefrontal regions. Grey matter volume remains largely preserved in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
Background:
- Bipolar disorder is associated with diverse neuroanatomical abnormalities.
- Euthymic patients offer a homogeneous group for identifying trait biomarkers.
- Previous studies report heterogeneous grey and white matter changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neuroanatomical differences in a large, homogeneous group of euthymic bipolar I disorder patients.
- To clarify the nature and extent of white matter and grey matter abnormalities.
- To identify potential trait-based biomarkers for bipolar disorder.
Main Methods:
- Structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were used.
- 60 euthymic bipolar I patients and 60 matched healthy controls participated.
- Voxel-based analysis was performed on sMRI and DTI datasets.
Main Results:
- Bipolar patients showed global white matter volume reductions.
- Fractional anisotropy was reduced in the corpus callosum, posterior cingulum, and prefrontal white matter.
- Grey matter volume was preserved; lithium treatment showed temporal lobe increases.
Conclusions:
- Euthymic bipolar I disorder is characterized by diffuse white matter deficits.
- Regional disorganization in interhemispheric and longitudinal tracts is suggested.
- Grey matter appears preserved in euthymic bipolar I disorder.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
01:14Brain Imaging
Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).