Brain macrostructural and microstructural abnormalities in cocaine dependence.
BACKGROUND
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
Twenty-one men and women (mean age 42.5 and mean 18.9 years of cocaine use) and 21 age/gender-matched 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 gray and white matter inferior frontal volumes trended toward smaller in the cocaine group. The data suggested that duration of use was associated with decreased gray and white matter volumes. FA and gray 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.
Lim
Kelvin O
KO
University of Minnesota, Department of Psychiatry, F282/2A West, 2450 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA. kolim@umn.edu
Wozniak
Jeffrey R
JR
Mueller
Bryon A
BA
Franc
Daniel T
DT
Specker
Sheila M
SM
Rodriguez
Craig P
CP
Silverman
Amy B
AB
Rotrosen
John P
JP
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D016880:Anisotropy; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales