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Molecular Autism

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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

Diffusional kurtosis imaging of the corpus callosum in autism

Authors: Yu Veronica Sui, Jeffrey Donaldson, Laura Miles, James S. Babb, Francisco Xavier Castellanos, Mariana Lazar

Published in: Molecular Autism | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

The corpus callosum is implicated in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, specific structural deficits and underlying mechanisms are yet to be well defined.

Methods

We employed diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) metrics to characterize white matter properties within five discrete segments of the corpus callosum in 17 typically developing (TD) adults and 16 age-matched participants with ASD without co-occurring intellectual disability (ID). The DKI metrics included axonal water fraction (f_axon) and intra-axonal diffusivity (D_axon), which reflect axonal density and caliber, and extra-axonal radial (RD_extra) and axial (AD_extra) diffusivities, which reflect myelination and microstructural organization of the extracellular space. The relationships between DKI metrics and processing speed, a cognitive feature known to be impaired in ASD, were also examined.

Results

ASD group had significantly decreased callosal f_axon and D_axon (p = .01 and p = .045), particularly in the midbody, isthmus, and splenium. Regression analysis showed that variation in DKI metrics, primarily in the mid and posterior callosal regions explained up to 70.7% of the variance in processing speed scores for TD (p = .001) but not for ASD (p > .05).

Conclusion

Decreased DKI metrics suggested that ASD may be associated with axonal deficits such as reduced axonal caliber and density in the corpus callosum, especially in the mid and posterior callosal areas. These data suggest that impaired interhemispheric connectivity may contribute to decreased processing speed in ASD participants.

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Title: Diffusional kurtosis imaging of the corpus callosum in autism
Authors: Yu Veronica Sui
Jeffrey Donaldson
Laura Miles
James S. Babb
Francisco Xavier Castellanos
Mariana Lazar
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Molecular Autism / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 2040-2392
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-018-0245-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Diffusional kurtosis imaging of the corpus callosum in autism

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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