Abnormal White Matter Microstructure in Lifelong Premature Ejaculation Patients Identified by Tract-Based Spatial...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neuroscience
• Urology

Background:

• Previous neuroimaging studies revealed functional and structural brain abnormalities in lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) patients.
• However, white matter microstructure changes in LPE have not been previously reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare white matter microstructure differences between LPE patients and healthy controls using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Main Methods:

• Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tract-based spatial statistical analysis were employed.
• The study included 32 LPE patients and 32 matched healthy controls.
• Correlations between DTI findings and clinical indices were analyzed.

Main Results:

• LPE patients exhibited widespread increases in fractional anisotropy (FA) and axial diffusivity compared to controls.
• Significant differences were observed in the right posterior thalamic radiation, corona radiata, internal capsule, and external capsule.
• Increased FA in the right posterior thalamic radiation correlated positively with the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool score.

Conclusions:

• Abnormal white matter microstructure, particularly in thalamocortical pathways, may be an underlying factor in the etiology of LPE.
• These findings suggest potential microstructural white matter abnormalities as a marker for evaluating sensory conduction efficiency in LPE.