Resumen

ROSALES F, Rosario; PAREDES, Marcela; LETELIER A, Ignacio  y  SARCE S, Husar. Using 3T functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess attention in patients with clinically diagnosed attention-deficit disorder before and after methylphenidate administration: assessment of drug effects on attentional function. Rev. chil. radiol. [online]. 2011, vol.17, n.2, pp. 70-76. ISSN 0717-9308.  doi: 10.4067/S0717-93082011000200004.

Our objective was to assess the level of attention in patients with attention-deficit disorder using functional MRI by comparing test results before and after the use of methylphenidate. We studied 6 pediatric patients and 2 adults. All of them were subject to a attention test before and after methylphenidate administration. The pediatric patient population showed a positive difference, with higher levels of attention in the methylphenidate group. In the adult group, improvement in the attentional function was observed in one of them. This method allowed us to physiologically assess if improvement in attentional function occurred after methylphenidate administration. Therefore, this technique is viewed as an important tool for evaluating the usefulness of treatment for attention-deficit.hyperactivity disorder.

Palabras clave : Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; fMRI; Methylphenidate.