title: Structural Changes in the Insular Cortex in Alcohol Dependence: A cross sectional study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was conducted to determine the changes in the insular cortex in alcohol dependent subjects, and to compare the same with controls, the associated clinical findings.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study group consisted of 30 subjects with alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) selected randomly from the out patient services of the department of psychiatry of a tertiary care hospital. The control group consisted of 30 matched subjects selected randomly from the out patient department and from patients screened for uncomplicated headache. Both groups were examined by a computerized scan (CT), and Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Chi square, and 't' test were done after calculating the Evan's ratio. The two groups were compared to assess the cortical atrophy and ventricular enlargement. Cognitive functions were tested by MMSE, and the scores were compared. Atrophy was significantly higher in the experimental group; however, it was not significant. Cognitive functioning was found to be significantly impaired in the experimental group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study showed that alcohol dependence leads to cortical atrophy which is age independent. The statistically significant disturbance in the MMSE scores along with the frontal and parietal cortical atrophy is also indicative of the insular cortex involvement in the experimental group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Alcohol dependence leads to cerebral atrophy along with the involvement of the insular cortex.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Medical College, Kolkata, India.
authors.forename: Somsubhra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chattopadhyay
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Srivastava
authors.forename: Adya Shanker
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Srivastava
authors.forename: Arvind
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Srivastava