Martina Absinta1,2, Maria Assunta Rocca1,2,
Bruno Colombo2, Andrea Falini3, Giancarlo Comi2,
Massimo Filippi1,2
1Neuroimaging Research
Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience,
Scientific Institute & University Hospital San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; 2Department
of Neurology, Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele,
Milan, Italy; 3Department of Neuroradiology, Scientific Institute
& University Hospital San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
Using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM), regional abnormalities in the white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) were assessed in 15 patients with cluster headache (CH) vs. 19 controls. No abnormalities of the brain WM were detected in CH patients. Compared to controls, CH patients showed GM atrophy in several regions that are part of the antinoceptive system, including the thalamus, caudate nucleus, cingulate cortex, middle frontal gyrus (MFG), precuneus, middle temporal gyrus and precentral gyrus. No abnormalities were detected in the hypothalamus. MFG atrophy was significantly correlated with disease duration (r=-0.79).
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