Why this study matters

A better understanding of cortico-striatal circuitry imbalance, the putative pathophysiologic basis for OCD, will facilitate the development of neuromodulation treatment targets using deep brain stimulation.

Despite the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive-behavioral therapy in most patients with OCD, 10% do not have an adequate response.

Study design

Patients with OCD (n=107) and healthy, matched controls (n=110) underwent diffusion tensor/kurtosis imaging, from which the cortico-striatal WM connectivity was calculated. Microstructural complexity was determined from the average diffusion kurtosis values of the segmented striatal subregions.

Results and conclusions

The orbitofrontal WM connectivity with the associated striatal subregion was reduced in patients with OCD compared to healthy controls. In contrast, the caudal-motor and parietal connectivity with the associated striatal subregions was increased in OCD patients compared to healthy controls, which the mean kurtosis values were decreased.