First-episode depression: Diffusion tensor imaging of deep white matter

The value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was investigated in the cerebral white matter microstructural abnormalities in patients with first-episode depression. Thirteen patients with first-episode depression and fourteen age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers were performed DTI. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of prefrontal lobe deep white matter, the parahippocampal gyrus, the genu, body and splenium of the corpus callosum were recorded. FA and ADC in the deep white matter of frontal lobe, the right parahippocampal gyrus and the genu of the corpus callosum in the depression group were different from those of control group (P<;0.05). There were no significant differences of FA and ADC in the left parahippocampal gyrus and the body and splenium of the corpus callosum between two groups (P>0.05). DTI was valuable in detection of microstructural abnormalities of the white matter in patients with first-episode depression. The microstructural abnormalities in the deep white matter of frontal lobe, the right side of the parahippocampal gyrus and genu of the corpus callosum may be the neurobiological basis of first-episode depression.