Cavum septum pellucidum in monozygotic twins discordant for combat exposure: relationship to posttraumatic stress disorder.

May FS, Chen C, Gilbertson MW, Shenton ME, Pitman RK. Cavum septum pellucidum in monozygotic twins discordant for combat exposure: relationship to posttraumatic stress disorder. Biol Psychiatry. 2004;55(6):656–8.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Abnormally large cavum septum pellucidum has been reported in posttraumatic stress disorder; however, the origin of this association is uncertain. METHODS: We utilized magnetic resonance imaging to measure cavum septum pellucidum in pairs of identical twins discordant for combat exposure in Vietnam. RESULTS: Presence of abnormal cavum septum pellucidum was significantly correlated between exposed and unexposed twins, indicating that it is partially determined by heredity and/or shared environment. There was a greater proportion of cavum septum pellucidum in combat-exposed twins with posttraumatic stress disorder and their noncombat-exposed co-twins. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of abnormally large cavum septum pellucidum is a familial vulnerability factor for posttraumatic stress disorder.
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