PRELIMINARY-STUDY OF MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING CHARACTERISTICS IN 8-YEAR-OLDS TO 16-YEAR-OLDS WITH MANIA

Objective: To examine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics in children and adolescents with mania according to DSM-III-R criteria. Method: A convenience sample of consecutively referred 8- to 16-year-old manic (n = 10) and normal (n = 5) subjects were assessed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present Episode Version, the Children's Global Assessment Scale, and the Family History-Research Diagnostic Criteria. MRI scans were obtained from unsedated subjects using a 1.5 T MR scanner to acquire T-1-weighted coronal and sagittal images and T-2-weighted axial images. Images were assessed by blind clinical interpretation, ratings of T-2-weighted deep white matter hyperintensities and petalia, and computer-assisted volumetric analysis of ventricular and cerebral volumes. Results: Eight of 10 manic subjects and all 5 controls completed the scans. Scans of 4 manic subjects and 1 control subject showed ventricular or white matter abnormalities by clinical interpretation. Significant findings were positive correlations between increasing age and both right and left ventricular volumes. Two of the 8 manic subjects and no controls had confluent subcortical hyperintensities. Conclusions: MRI brain scanning was feasible in 8- to 16-year-olds. Preliminary findings from clinical interpretations and structured ratings suggest structural differences between young manic and normal subjects. Investigations of larger samples are needed to better characterize the differences.