title: Effects of ECT on brain structure: a pilot prospective magnetic resonance imaging study.
abstract: The authors describe a pilot prospective investigation of the effects of ECT on brain structure using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In nine patients with major depression, a course of ECT produced no acute changes in brain structure according to blind raters' assessments of cortical atrophy and global comparison of pre- and post-ECT studies. There were also no significant changes in the ventricle-brain ratios. Pre-ECT brain abnormalities were common in these patients yet were also unaffected by ECT. Future MRI studies of ECT should include more subjects and should address long-term changes and subtle brain abnormalities.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710.
authors: C E
authors: CE
authors: Coffey
authors: G S
authors: GS
authors: Figiel
authors: W T
authors: WT
authors: Djang
authors: D C
authors: DC
authors: Sullivan
authors: R J
authors: RJ
authors: Herfkens
authors: R D
authors: RD
authors: Weiner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales