Brain macrostructural and microstructural abnormalities in cocaine dependence

Abstract

Rationale-Two previous studies have utilized Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) to examine microstructural integrity in cocaine abuse and found evidence of brain abnormalities in white matter.Objective-Using anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), DTI, and clinical evaluation, the macrostructural and microstructural correlates of cocaine abuse were investigated.Methods-21 men and women (mean age 42.5, mean 18.9 years of cocaine use) and 21 age/gendermatched controls were included. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was measured in frontal white matter ROIs. Gray and white matter volumes in superior and inferior frontal regions were compared.Results-DTI data revealed that cocaine users had lower FA than controls, specifically in inferior frontal white matter. FA differences were not seen in other areas. Significant volumetric differences were not seen, but both grey and white matter inferior frontal volumes trended toward smaller in the cocaine group. The data suggested that duration of use was associated with decreased grey and white matter volumes. FA and grey matter volume were correlated in cocaine users.Conclusions-Both macrostructural and microstructural abnormalities were seen in a group of cocaine abusers. Length of cocaine use was associated with severity of the brain abnormalities. Future studies of white matter tissue integrity are warranted including examination of the relationship between DTI measures and traditional volumetric measures.

Biomarkers for the Development of New Medications for Cocaine Dependence

“…This finding was replicated in a second study performed by the same group (Lim et al, 2008). Moeller et al (2005) performed DTI in 18 cocainedependent subjects and 18 healthy controls, focusing on the corpus callosum.…”

Diffusion tensor imaging of the structural integrity of white matter correlates with impulsivity in adolescents with internet gaming disorder

“…In our study, negative correlations between impulsivity and the FA values of the right CST were found in the HCs, which was consistent with the results of Olson's studies. Kelvin's voxel-wise correlation analysis also indicated that low FA values of the posterior crus of the internal capsule are associated with increased impulsivity as measured by the BIS-11 in chronic cocaine users (Lim et al, 2008). These results suggest that the altered correlations between impulsivity and the FA values of the CST in the IGD adolescents might reflect potential WM microstructural changes that may be associated with the greater impulsivity of IGD adolescents.…”

Intertemporal choice behavior is constrained by brain structure in healthy participants and pathological gamblers

“…Some of these findings have also been reported by Joutsa et al (2011) such as a reduced FA in the anterior thalamic radiation, the inferior longitudinal fascicle, Yip et al (2013) also showed a reduced fractional anisotropy in the genu of the corpus callosum in PG. Joutsa et al (2011) point out that similar changes have also been seen in substance abuse disorders (e.g., Lim et al 2008;Xu et al 2010). Further, the superior longitudinal fascicle (Lim et al 2008;Ashtari et al 2009;Jacobus et al 2009;Pfefferbaum et al 2009;Yeh et al 2009;Lane et al 2010;Xu et al 2010), the inferior longitudinal fascicle (Jacobus et al 2009;Yeh et al 2009) and the inferior fronto-occipital fascicle (Yeh et al 2009) have been seen in previous DTI studies pointing to a general susceptibility to addictions for subjects presenting with a reduced FA in these tracts.…”