Persistent Microstructural Deficits of Internal Capsule in One-Year Abstinent Male Methamphetamine Users: a...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neuroscience
• Addiction Research

Background:

• White matter (WM) alterations are documented in methamphetamine (MA) users.
• Longitudinal changes in WM during MA abstinence are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate longitudinal changes in white matter (WM) microstructure in individuals abstinent from methamphetamine (MA).
• To determine if WM deficits observed in MA users recover with extended abstinence durations.

Main Methods:

• Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) was used to assess white matter (WM) integrity.
• Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) analyzed fractional anisotropy (FA) and other diffusivity measures.
• Twenty male MA-dependent individuals and 19 healthy controls (HCs) underwent two DTI scans over a 13-month period.

Main Results:

• MA users exhibited significantly lower FA in the right internal capsule and superior corona radiata compared to HCs.
• These WM deficits persisted at the 13-month follow-up scan.
• No significant correlations were found between FA values and clinical measurements.

Conclusions:

• Methamphetamine (MA) dependence is associated with persistent white matter (WM) microstructure deficits.
• These deficits, particularly around the basal ganglia, do not show recovery even with prolonged abstinence.
• Findings suggest long-term structural consequences of MA use on brain white matter.