MRI and MRS Study of Deficits in Hippocampal Structure in Fire Victims with Recent-onset Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract： To explore structural abnormalities in the hippocampus in fire victims with recent-onset posttraumatic disorder (PTSD). Method: Twelve patients with recent-onset PTSD diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria 6 to 8 months after a major fire accident were compared with 12 victims of the same incident who did not present with PTSD. The voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) were used to examine the structural abnormalities of the hippocampus in patients with recent-onset PTSD. Results: Results of VBM showed that the grey matter density of the left hippocampus in the PTSD group was lower than that in non-PTSD group. Results of MRS also showed that the ratio of NAA/Cr in the left hippocampus was significantly lower in patients with PTSD than controls without PTSD. Conclusion: In patients with recent-onset PTSD 6-8 months after a major traumatic event, structural abnormalities in the hippocampus were found.