Localized brain volume and white matter integrity alterations in adolescent anorexia nervosa.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The neurobiological underpinnings of anorexia nervosa (AN) are poorly understood. In this study, we tested whether brain gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) in adolescents with AN would show alterations comparable to those in adults.

Method

We used magnetic resonance imaging to study GM and WM volume, and diffusion tensor imaging to assess fractional anisotropy for WM integrity in 19 adolescents with AN and 22 controls.

Results

Individuals with AN showed greater left orbitofrontal, right insular, and bilateral temporal cortex GM, as well as temporal lobe WM volumes compared to controls. WM integrity in adolescents with AN was lower (lower fractional anisotropy) in fornix, posterior frontal, and parietal areas, but higher in anterior frontal, orbitofrontal

SUBMITTER: Frank GK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4082770 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature