Other regions selectively affected in WE and KS include the orbitofrontal cortices (KS), periaqueductal gray matter, and tissue surrounding the third ventricle (WE). Reports suggest that propensity to relapse following sobriety is related to pronounced atrophy in bilateral orbitofrontal cortices (Beck et al. 2012; Cardenas et al. 2011; Durazzo et al. 2011; also see Rando et al. 2011). The third ventricle (i.e., enlargement) is sensitive to resumption of chronic alcohol consumption (Pfefferbaum et al. 2001; Sullivan et al. 2000b). There currently are no studies regarding periaqueductal gray-matter volume in uncomplicated alcoholics.
