Background
Several lines of evidence suggest that autism may be associated with abnormalities
in white matter development. However, inconsistencies remain in the literature regarding
the nature and extent of these abnormalities, partly because of the limited types
of measurements that have been used. Here, we used magnetization transfer imaging
to provide insight into the myelination of the corpus callosum in children with autism.
Methods
Magnetization transfer imaging scans were obtained in 101 children with autism and
35 typically developing children who did not significantly differ with regard to gender
or age. The midsagittal area of the corpus callosum was manually traced and the magnetization
transfer ratio (MTR) was calculated for each voxel within the corpus callosum. Mean
MTR and height and location of the MTR histogram peak were analyzed.
Results
Mean MTR and MTR histogram peak height and location were significantly higher in children
with autism than in typically developing children, suggesting abnormal myelination
of the corpus callosum in autism.
Conclusions
The differences in callosal myelination suggested by these results may reflect an
alteration in the normally well-regulated process of myelination of the brain, with
broad implications for neuropathology, diagnosis, and treatment of autism.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 05, 2012
Accepted:
January 23,
2012
Received in revised form:
January 13,
2012
Received:
August 19,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
