Diffusion Tensor Imaging in MDMA Users and Controls: Association with Decision Making

Abstract

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) may provide information regarding effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use on brain structure. Twelve MDMA users and 20 healthy controls underwent whole brain DTI data acquisition. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (D_av), and longitudinal (λ₁) and transverse (λ_T) diffusivities were compared between MDMA users and controls in 6 regions of the corpus callosum. MDMA users also completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), and a subset of subjects completed the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Results showed significantly smaller λ₁ in the rostral body of the corpus callosum in MDMA users, with no differences between groups on λ_T, FA, or D_av. MDMA users also had a significantly higher BIS nonplanning score and greater preference for disadvantageous choices on the IGT. There was a significant positive correlation between λ₁ in the rostral body of the corpus callosum and advantageous choices on the IGT. Further research on the etiology of these findings is warranted.

Keywords:

• Brain imaging
• corpus callosum
• diffusion tensor imaging
• eigenvalues
• MDMA