Quantitative MRI in Major Depressive Disorder at 7T

Abstract

Large scale efforts are being employed to link Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) to cortical alterations in gray and white matter, though often, limited resolution prevents conclusions regarding the source. Here we used quantitative 7T MRI to explore the myeloarchitecture of the cortex in people suffering from MDD in order to unravel potential mechanisms underlying the psychopathology of MDD. We find altered T1-profiles in the rostral ACC, lateral PFC and OFC in MDD compared to healthy controls, indicating changes in cortical myeloarchitecture. Overall, cortical T1 values were higher in MDD, suggesting lower cortical myelination.