Cerebellar and Prefrontal Cortical Alterations in PTSD: Structural and Functional Evidence:

摘要

BackgroundNeuroimaging studies have revealed that disturbances in network organization of key brain regions may underlie cognitive and emotional dysfunction in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Examining both brain structure and function in the same population may further our understanding of network alterations in PTSD.MethodsWe used tensor-based morphometry and intrinsic connectivity distribution to identify regions of altered volume and functional connectivity in unmedicated individuals with PTSD (n?=?21) and healthy comparison participants (n?=?18). These regions were then used as seeds for follow-up anatomical covariance and functional connectivity analyses.ResultsSmaller volume in the cerebellum and weaker structural covariance between the cerebellum seed and the middle temporal gyrus were observed in the PTSD group. Individuals with PTSD also exhibited lower whole-brain connectivity in the cerebellum, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and medial prefrontal cortex. Functional connectivity i...