Structural MRI Can Help Predict Outcomes of Electroconvulsive Therapy
By MedImaging International staff writers Posted on 01 Jun 2016 |
Image: A patient undergoing ECT treatment, which involves using small electric currents to trigger a short seizure in the brain (Photo courtesy of BBC Newsnight).
Results from a non-randomized prospective study have shown that neuro-imaging techniques can be used to predict the therapeutic effectiveness of ElectroConvulsive Therapy (ECT) in individuals.
ECT therapy treatment involves intentionally triggering a short seizure in the brain using small electric currents, and is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure can be used to treat certain mental illnesses, including acute major depressive disorder.
The research was published online in the May 4, 2016, issue of the journal JAMA Psychiatry. The goal of the researchers from the University of Muenster (Muenster, Germany) was to find out whether structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) could identify biomarkers that could accurately predict the response to ECT treatment.
In the study, the structure of grey matter of inpatients from Department of Psychiatry at the University of Muenster was assessed twice using a 3-T MRI scanner and voxel-based morphometry, at intervals of approximately 6 weeks. The study took place between March 11, 2010, and March 27, 2015. The patients included two groups with acute major depressive disorder, one of which received a series of ECT treatments and antidepressants (n = 24). The second group was treated with antidepressants (n = 23) alone. The researchers then compared both groups with a healthy control group (n = 21).
The researchers found that successful treatment with ECT therapy could be linked to a relatively small degree of structural impairment in the sub-genual cingulate cortex observed in neuroimaging before treatment.
Related Links:
University of Muenster
ECT therapy treatment involves intentionally triggering a short seizure in the brain using small electric currents, and is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure can be used to treat certain mental illnesses, including acute major depressive disorder.
The research was published online in the May 4, 2016, issue of the journal JAMA Psychiatry. The goal of the researchers from the University of Muenster (Muenster, Germany) was to find out whether structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) could identify biomarkers that could accurately predict the response to ECT treatment.
In the study, the structure of grey matter of inpatients from Department of Psychiatry at the University of Muenster was assessed twice using a 3-T MRI scanner and voxel-based morphometry, at intervals of approximately 6 weeks. The study took place between March 11, 2010, and March 27, 2015. The patients included two groups with acute major depressive disorder, one of which received a series of ECT treatments and antidepressants (n = 24). The second group was treated with antidepressants (n = 23) alone. The researchers then compared both groups with a healthy control group (n = 21).
The researchers found that successful treatment with ECT therapy could be linked to a relatively small degree of structural impairment in the sub-genual cingulate cortex observed in neuroimaging before treatment.
Related Links:
University of Muenster
Latest MRI News
- Low-Cost Whole-Body MRI Device Combined with AI Generates High-Quality Results
- World's First Whole-Body Ultra-High Field MRI Officially Comes To Market
- World's First Sensor Detects Errors in MRI Scans Using Laser Light and Gas
- Diamond Dust Could Offer New Contrast Agent Option for Future MRI Scans
- Combining MRI with PSA Testing Improves Clinical Outcomes for Prostate Cancer Patients
- PET/MRI Improves Diagnostic Accuracy for Prostate Cancer Patients
- Next Generation MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Ushers In Future of Incisionless Neurosurgery
- Two-Part MRI Scan Detects Prostate Cancer More Quickly without Compromising Diagnostic Quality
- World’s Most Powerful MRI Machine Images Living Brain with Unrivaled Clarity
- New Whole-Body Imaging Technology Makes It Possible to View Inflammation on MRI Scan
- Combining Prostate MRI with Blood Test Can Avoid Unnecessary Prostate Biopsies
- New Treatment Combines MRI and Ultrasound to Control Prostate Cancer without Serious Side Effects
- MRI Improves Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer
- Combined PET-MRI Scan Improves Treatment for Early Breast Cancer Patients
- 4D MRI Could Improve Clinical Assessment of Heart Blood Flow Abnormalities
- MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Prostate Cancer