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01-05-2013 | Original Article

Morphometry of corpus callosum in Williams syndrome: shape as an index of neural development

Authors: Adriana Sampaio, Sylvain Bouix, Nuno Sousa, Cristiana Vasconcelos, Montse Férnandez, Martha E. Shenton, Óscar F. Gonçalves

Published in: Brain Structure and Function | Issue 3/2013

Abstract

Brain abnormalities in Williams syndrome (WS) have been consistently reported, despite few studies have devoted attention to connectivity between different brain regions in WS. In this study, we evaluated corpus callosum (CC) morphometry: bending angle, length, thickness and curvature of CC using a new shape analysis method in a group of 17 individuals with WS matched with a typically developing group. We used this multimethod approach because we hypothesized that neurodevelopmental abnormalities might result in both volume changes and structure deformation. Overall, we found reduced absolute CC cross-sectional area and volume in WS (mean CC and subsections). In parallel, we observed group differences regarding CC shape and thickness. Specifically, CC of WS is morphologically different, characterized by a larger bending angle and being more curved in the posterior part. Moreover, although CC in WS is shorter, a larger relative thickness of CC was found in all callosal sections. Finally, groups differed regarding the association between CC measures, age, white matter volume and cognitive performance. In conclusions, abnormal patterns of CC morphology and shape may be implicated in WS cognitive and behavioural phenotype.

FSIQ was not available for two participants in TD group.

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Title: Morphometry of corpus callosum in Williams syndrome: shape as an index of neural development
Authors: Adriana Sampaio
Sylvain Bouix
Nuno Sousa
Cristiana Vasconcelos
Montse Férnandez
Martha E. Shenton
Óscar F. Gonçalves
Publication date: 01-05-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Brain Structure and Function / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 1863-2653
Electronic ISSN: 1863-2661
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-012-0423-4

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Springer Medicine

Morphometry of corpus callosum in Williams syndrome: shape as an index of neural development

Abstract

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Abstract

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