In vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the medial temporal lobes of former prisoners of war with and without posttraumatic stress disorder

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2003 Summer;15(3):367-70. doi: 10.1176/jnp.15.3.367.

Abstract

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to compare medial temporal lobe (MTL) concentrations of N-acetylaspartate and choline between former prisoners of war (POWs) with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MTL N-acetylaspartate and reexperiencing symptoms correlated strongly in the POW subjects with PTSD, suggesting a relationship between reexperiencing symptoms and the integrity of MTL structures.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aspartic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Aspartic Acid / metabolism
  • Choline / metabolism
  • Creatine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy*
  • Male
  • Prisoners*
  • Protons
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / metabolism
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / pathology*
  • Temporal Lobe / metabolism
  • Temporal Lobe / pathology*
  • Veterans
  • Warfare*

Substances

  • Protons
  • Aspartic Acid
  • N-acetylaspartate
  • Creatine
  • Choline