Cerebral and brain stem changes after ECT revealed by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.
Nuclear magnetic resonance images of the brain were obtained in fourteen patients with major depression during a course of ECT. The T1 relaxation time rose immediately after the fit, reaching a maximum 4-6 h later. The T1 values then returned to their original level; no long-term increase occurred over the course of treatment. These results are consistent with an extensive but temporary breakdown of the blood-brain barrier during ECT.
Mander
A J
AJ
Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside.
Whitfield
A
A
Kean
D M
DM
Smith
M A
MA
Douglas
R H
RH
Kendell
R E
RE
D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000473:pathology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors