Reduced midbrain raphe echogenicity in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The pathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is unclear. Transcranial ultrasonography revealed anechoic alteration of midbrain raphe in depression and anxiety disorders, suggesting affection of the central serotonergic system. Here, we assessed midbrain raphe echogenicity in FMS.

Methods

Sixty-six patients underwent transcranial sonography, of whom 53 were patients with FMS (27 women, 26 men), 13 patients with major depression and physical pain (all women), and 14 healthy controls (11 women, 3 men). Raphe echogenicity was graded visually as normal or hypoechogenic, and quantified by digitized image analysis, each by investigators blinded to the clinical diagnosis.

Results

Quantitative midbrain raphe echogenicity was lower in patients with FMS compared to

SUBMITTER: Uceyler N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9671316 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature