Diffusion weighted MRI in the early phase after electroconvulsive therapy

Szabo, K., Hirsch, J. G., Krause, M., Ende, G., Henn, F. A., Sartorius, A., Gass, A. (April 2007) Diffusion weighted MRI in the early phase after electroconvulsive therapy. Neurol Res, 29 (3). pp. 256-9. ISSN 0161-6412 (Print)0161-6412 (Linking)

Abstract

Although cognitive side effects may occur after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), no structural brain abnormalities have been detected after ECT with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Transient disturbances of memory function are common findings after ECT indicating functional compromise. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) has been shown to be sensitive to focal tissue changes associated with compromise of energy metabolism in cerebral ischemia and after prolonged ictal activity. We used conventional MRI and DWI in an exploratory study examining ten patients after treatment with ECT, eight of whom experienced short-lasting memory disturbances. MRI and DWI showed no definite signal abnormalities on qualitative and quantitative analysis. In three patients, equivocal marginal DWI hyperintensity was noted in the hippocampal formation. These findings are in line with previous negative studies using conventional MRI. Higher resolution DWI and serial imaging may be necessary to visualize possible minimal signal changes after ECT.

Item Type: Paper
Uncontrolled Keywords: Adult Aged Aged, 80 and over Depressive Disorder/ pathology/ surgery Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging/ methods Electroconvulsive Therapy/ methods Female Humans Male Middle Aged
Subjects: Investigative techniques and equipment
therapies
Investigative techniques and equipment > magnetic resonance imaging
CSHL Authors:
Communities: CSHL labs > Henn lab
Depositing User: Matt Covey
Date: April 2007
Date Deposited: 01 Mar 2013 14:11
Last Modified: 01 Mar 2013 14:11
Related URLs:
URI: https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/27645

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