Cortical morphometry in anorexia nervosa: An out-of-sample replication study.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Radiology

Background:

• Acute anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with decreased global cortical volume.
• Previous research indicates widespread reductions in cortical thickness, gyrification, and curvature in individuals with AN.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate and validate previous findings on local cortical alterations in acute anorexia nervosa.
• To combine data from two prior studies for enhanced statistical power.

Main Methods:

• Utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 46 adult women with AN and 54 healthy comparison (HC) women.
• Employed FreeSurfer software for the analysis of cortical volume and local cortical measures.
• Examined group differences in gyrification, curvature, thickness, and surface area, controlling for dataset and age.

Main Results:

• Confirmed reduced global cortical volume in the AN group compared to the HC group.
• Observed reduced local cortical gyrification, localized reductions in cortical thickness (occipital and parietal lobes), and decreased surface area (frontal and temporal lobes) in the AN group.
• Identified increased cortical thickness in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in individuals with AN.

Conclusions:

• Replicated and validated previous findings of reduced global cortical volume and local gyrification in acute anorexia nervosa.
• Emphasized the necessity of further investigation into local cortical folding, thickness, and surface area in AN.
• Highlighted the potential for deeper insights into the biological underpinnings of anorexia nervosa through continued research.