Voxel-Based Morphometry and Subfield Volumetry Analysis Unveil the Involvement of the Limbic System
Poster No:
2488
Submission Type:
Abstract Submission
Authors:
Sekwang Lee1, Sung-Bom Pyun1, Eui-Cheol Nam2, Woo-Suk Tae1
Institutions:
1Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea, Republic of, 2Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea, Republic of
First Author:
Co-Author(s):
Introduction:
Tinnitus, the perception of sound like ringing or buzzing without an external source, detrimentally impacts the quality of life, causing emotional difficulties and depressive symptoms. Despite its prevalence, the exact cause of tinnitus remains elusive. Recent studies propose the involvement of non-auditory brain structures, particularly the limbic system, responsible for emotional regulation and memory. Critical structures of interest include the amygdala, hippocampus, and thalamus. This study aimed to compare the volumes of these structures using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and subfield volumetry in tinnitus patients and controls.
Methods:
Fifty-three tinnitus patients (average age 52.7 years) and 52 normal controls, matched for age and gender, participated. Controls were devoid of hearing, otological, neurological, or psychological issues and were medication-free. High-resolution 3D T1-weighted brain images were acquired with a 3-T MRI scanner. MRI data were processed using the Computational Anatomy Toolbox (CAT12) for VBM and sulcal depth analysis. Automated subfield volumetry assessed specific brain structures (amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus).
Results:
Tinnitus patients exhibited larger volumes in the entire amygdala, basal nucleus, right lateral nucleus, and left para-laminar nucleus than controls. Additionally, volumes of the subiculum-head, left fimbria, and left presubiculum-head in the hippocampus were greater in tinnitus patients than in normal controls. No differences emerged in thalamus volume and thalamus subnuclei between the tinnitus and normal control groups. Gray matter volumes of the thalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus were significantly higher in the tinnitus group than in the control group. Moreover, the bilateral precuneus and left parietal cortex cortical thickness was elevated in the tinnitus group.
·Elevated Volume in Hippocampal. Subregions Increased volume observed in hippocampal subregions (subiculum-head, left fimbria, and left presubiculum-head) during the analysis of tinnitus patie
·Gray Matter Volume Comparison. Significant increases in gray matter volume observed in the thalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus of the tinnitus group compared to the normal control group.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest the involvement of the limbic system in tinnitus pathogenesis and provide a better understanding of the condition. The subfield volumetry technique used in this study may help identify more detailed structural changes associated with specific neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Modeling and Analysis Methods:
Segmentation and Parcellation 2
Perception, Attention and Motor Behavior:
Perception: Auditory/ Vestibular 1
Keywords:
Hearing
Limbic Systems
Morphometrics
MRI
Perception
1|2Indicates the priority used for review
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