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Updated: Mar 25, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Disorganization of white matter architecture in major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of diffusion tensor
Guangxiang Chen1,2, Xinyu Hu1, Lei Li1
1Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
Abstract:
White matter (WM) abnormalities have long been suspected in major depressive disorder (MDD). Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) studies have detected abnormalities in fractional anisotropy (FA) in MDD, but the available evidence has been inconsistent. We performed a quantitative meta-analysis of TBSS studies contrasting MDD patients with healthy control subjects (HCS). A total of 17 studies with 18 datasets that included 641 MDD patients and 581 HCS were identified. Anisotropic effect size-signed differential mapping (AES-SDM) meta-analysis was performed to assess FA alterations in MDD patients compared to HCS. FA reductions were identified in the genu of the corpus callosum (CC) extending to the body of the CC and left anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC) in MDD patients relative to HCS. Descriptive analysis of quartiles, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis further confirmed these findings. Meta-regression analysis revealed that individuals with more severe MDD were significantly more likely to have FA reductions in the genu of the CC. This study provides a thorough profile of WM abnormalities in MDD and evidence that interhemispheric connections and frontal-striatal-thalamic pathways are the most convergent circuits affected in MDD.
Insights
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is linked to white matter abnormalities. This meta-analysis found reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) in key brain areas, suggesting impaired interhemispheric and frontal-striatal-thalamic pathways in MDD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- White matter (WM) abnormalities are increasingly implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD).
- Previous tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) studies suggest fractional anisotropy (FA) alterations in MDD, but findings are inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a quantitative meta-analysis of TBSS studies to identify consistent WM abnormalities in MDD.
- To investigate FA alterations in MDD patients compared to healthy controls (HCS).
Main Methods:
- Quantitative meta-analysis of 17 TBSS studies (18 datasets) including 641 MDD patients and 581 HCS.
- Anisotropic effect size-signed differential mapping (AES-SDM) was used to assess FA differences.
- Meta-regression explored the relationship between MDD severity and FA reductions.
Main Results:
- Significant FA reductions were found in the genu and body of the corpus callosum (CC) and the left anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC) in MDD patients.
- These findings were robust across quartile, sensitivity, and subgroup analyses.
- Meta-regression indicated that greater MDD severity correlated with FA reductions in the genu of the CC.
Conclusions:
- This meta-analysis provides a comprehensive profile of WM abnormalities in MDD.
- Evidence points to significant alterations in interhemispheric connections (CC) and frontal-striatal-thalamic pathways (ALIC) in MDD.
- These affected circuits are crucial for understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of major depressive disorder.
