The microstructural integrity of the corpus callosum and associated impulsivity in alcohol dependence: A tractography-based segmentation study using diffusion spectrum imaging
Journal
Psychiatry Research - Neuroimaging
Journal Volume
184
Journal Issue
2
Pages
128-134
Date Issued
2010
Author(s)
Abstract
Previous post-mortem and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in patients with alcohol dependence have demonstrated abnormalities of brain white matter. The present study investigated the microstructural integrity in the corpus callosum and the associations of this integrity with neurobehavioral assessments. Twenty-five male cases fulfilling the DSM-IV diagnosis of alcohol dependence and 15 male control subjects were scanned using a 3T MRI system. Callosal fiber tracts were reconstructed by diffusion spectrum imaging tractography and were subdivided into seven functionally distinct segments. The microstructural integrity was quantified in terms of generalized fractional anisotropy (GFA). Compared with normal subjects, men with alcohol dependence showed lower GFA values on all segments of the corpus callosum. The segment interconnecting the bilateral orbitofrontal cortices was the most affected. The score on the Barratt Impulsivity Scale showed an inverse relationship with GFA on the callosal fiber tracts connecting the bilateral orbitofrontal cortices. Furthermore, the duration of regular use was negatively associated with GFA on the callosal fiber tracts connecting the bilateral temporal and parietal cortices. Our findings suggest that a high self-rated impulsivity level was associated with low anisotropy in white matter of corpus callosum sectors extending to the orbitofrontal cortex. ? 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; alcoholism; article; brain function; brain region; clinical article; controlled study; corpus callosum; diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders; drinking behavior; fractional anisotropy; generalized fractional anisotropy; human; male; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; orbital cortex; parietal lobe; priority journal; tractography; white matter; Adult; Alcoholism; Anisotropy; Brain Mapping; Corpus Callosum; Diffusion Tensor Imaging; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Impulsive Behavior; Male; Middle Aged; Questionnaires
Type
journal article