Alteration of corticothalamic perfusion ratios during a PTSD flashback

Depression and Anxiety
I LiberzonR A Koeppe

Abstract

We performed a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) study of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by measuring changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during provocation by combat stimuli. A single patient experienced an actual flashback following exposure to combat sounds, exhibiting tearfulness, diaphoresis, tachypnea, and severe agitation. Results from his SPECT study demonstrated a dramatically altered ratio of cortical to subcortical perfusion during the flashback but not during the control scan. This altered pattern, which showed a peak of activity in the thalamus, was not consistent with global rCBF changes induced by hyperventilation. The perfusion pattern during the patient's control scan was qualitatively indistinguishable from any of the SPECT scans obtained for the other patients. This single case suggests a possible role for corticothalamic dysfunction in flashbacks.

Citations

Apr 15, 1999·Biological Psychiatry·I LiberzonL M Fig
May 16, 2002·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Israel LiberzonStephan F Taylor
May 7, 2013·Neuroscience Letters·Xiaodan YanCharles R Marmar
Mar 12, 2016·Biological Psychology·Hongxia DuanJianhui Wu
Mar 15, 2006·The Psychiatric Clinics of North America·Paul A Frewen, Ruth A Lanius
Oct 11, 2005·Journal of Psychiatric Research·R A LaniusC Pain
Jul 26, 2002·The Psychiatric Clinics of North America·Robert GrossmanRachel Yehuda
Dec 5, 2012·Brain and Cognition·Matthew G WhalleyChris R Brewin
Dec 31, 2016·Experimental Neurobiology·Jooyeon Jamie ImSujung Yoon
Apr 14, 2004·CNS Spectrums·Israel Liberzon, K Luan Phan

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