The authors describe a pilot prospective investigation of the effects of
ECT on brain structure using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In nine
patients with major depression, a course of ECT produced no acute changes
in brain structure according to blind raters' assessments of cortical
atrophy and global comparison of pre- and post-ECT studies. There were also
no significant changes in the ventricle-brain ratios. Pre-ECT brain
abnormalities were common in these patients yet were also unaffected by
ECT. Future MRI studies of ECT should include more subjects and should
address long-term changes and subtle brain abnormalities.Abstract Teaser