High-Resolution 7T MR Imaging of the Human Subgenual Prefrontal Cortex in vivo- Development of a segmentation algorithm and its application in mood disorders

The Subgenual Prefrontal Cortex (SGPFC) as part of the limbic system plays a crucial role in mood regulation as demonstrated in structural and functional brain imaging studies. Previous research of SGPFC volumes revealed a reduction in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Depression (BD), mainly in the left SGPFC. However, contradicting findings are biased by imaging methods and magnetic field strengths, and the SGPFC has never been investigated by high resolution MRI. In the present study we aimed to investigate the SGPFC using 7T MRI. In a pilot study, we developed a reliable segmentation of the SGPFC. In the present study, first results of the method being applied in a control sample will be presented and perspectives of high resolution imaging in mood disorders will be discussed.