Name:	Diffusion Tensor and Functional Imaging of Chronic Treatment Refractory Depression and Neurosurgical Treatments
Title:	DTFI
Researchers:	Prof Douglas Steele, Prof Keith Matthews, Dr David Christams, Dr Mark Bastin, Prof Sam Eljamal, Mr Benson Mwangi
Funding Body:	Dundee Annoymous Trust and SINAPSE
Funding Awarded:	£68,070
Start Date:	June 2010
End Date:	January 2012

 

Introduction

This study will use Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to relate neuropsychological performance and clinical status (symptoms) with measures of white matter integrity and grey matter function in 'emotional-processing-relevant' brain networks. This will lead to a greater understanding of the consequences and side-effects of neurosurgery. Using DTI in addition to fMRI will help to map lesion topography and subsequent effects on communicating white matter tracts with great precision, helping to develop our understanding of the functional architecture of depression. This will help guide the development of novel and more effective treatment strategies.

The main aims of this study are to investigate:

• If anterior cingulate therapeutic neurosurgical lesions are better targeted at the cingulum bundle or cingulated cortex (two important distinguishable anatomical structures) in terms of optimising (maximising benefit, minimising harm) clinical outcome?
• What are the brain structures distant from the lesions that are affected and how do differences in the anatomical distribution of these distant changes relate to optimising clinical outcome?
• How can we maximise benefit and minimise any side-effects by altering established treatments?