White matter microstructure in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

BORA İ. E., Harrison B. J., Fornito A., Cocchi L., Pujol J., Fontenelle L. F., ...More

JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY & NEUROSCIENCE, vol.36, no.1, pp.42-46, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 36 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.1503/jpn.100082
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY & NEUROSCIENCE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.42-46
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Previous diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have reported inconsistent findings, and it is not known whether observed findings are related to abnormalities in axonal structure or myelination. Methods: In this DTI study, we investigated fractional anisotropy, as well as axial and radial diffusivity, in 21 patients with OCD and 29 healthy controls. Results: We found decreased fractional anisotropy in the body of the corpus callosum in the OCD group, which was underpinned by increased radial diffusivity. Limitations: The cross-sectional design was the main limitation. Conclusion: Our findings of increased radial diffusivity provide preliminary evidence for abnormal myelination in patients with OCD.