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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2011
MRI findings in 77 children with non-syndromic autistic disorder
Nathalie Boddaert1, Mônica Zilbovicius, Anne Philipe
1INSERM-CEA U 797, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, CEA, Orsay, France. nathalie.boddaert@nck.aphp.fr
Background:
The clinical relevance of MR scanning in children with autism is still an open question and must be considered in light of the evolution of this technology. MRI was judged to be of insufficient value to be included in the standard clinical evaluation of autism according to the guidelines of the American Academy of Neurology and Child Neurology Society in 2000. However, this statement was based on results obtained from small samples of patients and, more importantly, included mostly insufficient MRI sequences. Our main objective was to evaluate the prevalence of brain abnormalities in a large group of children with a non-syndromic autistic disorder (AD) using T1, T2 and FLAIR MRI sequences.
Methodology:
MRI inspection of 77 children and adolescents with non-syndromic AD (mean age 7.4+/-3.6) was performed. All met the DSM-IV and ADI -R criteria for autism. Based on recommended clinical and biological screenings, we excluded patients with infectious, metabolic or genetic diseases, seizures or any other neurological symptoms. Identical MRI inspections of 77 children (mean age 7.0+/-4.2) without AD, developmental or neurological disorders were also performed. All MRIs were acquired with a 1.5-T Signa GE (3-D T1-FSPGR, T2, FLAIR coronal and axial sequences). Two neuroradiologists independently inspected cortical and sub-cortical regions. MRIs were reported to be normal, abnormal or uninterpretable.
Principal Findings:
MRIs were judged as uninterpretable in 10% (8/77) of the cases. In 48% of the children (33/69 patients), abnormalities were reported. Three predominant abnormalities were observed, including white matter signal abnormalities (19/69), major dilated Virchow-Robin spaces (12/69) and temporal lobe abnormalities (20/69). In all, 52% of the MRIs were interpreted as normal (36/69 patients).
Conclusions:
An unexpectedly high rate of MRI abnormalities was found in the first large series of clinical MRI investigations in non-syndromic autism. These results could contribute to further etiopathogenetic research into autism.
Insights
Brain MRI scans revealed a high rate of abnormalities in children with autism. This study highlights the clinical relevance of MRI in understanding autism spectrum disorder and its potential causes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- The clinical utility of Magnetic Resonance (MR) scanning in pediatric autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains debated.
- Previous guidelines suggested limited value due to small sample sizes and outdated MRI techniques.
- This study re-evaluates MRI's role using modern sequences in a large cohort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of brain abnormalities in children with non-syndromic autistic disorder (AD) using advanced MRI sequences.
- To assess the diagnostic value of T1, T2, and FLAIR MRI in a significant population of children with autism.
Main Methods:
- MRI scans (T1, T2, FLAIR) were performed on 77 children and adolescents diagnosed with non-syndromic autistic disorder (AD).
- A control group of 77 age-matched children without neurological disorders was included for comparison.
- Two independent neuroradiologists analyzed cortical and sub-cortical regions for abnormalities.
Main Results:
- 10% of MRIs were uninterpretable.
- Brain abnormalities were detected in 48% of children with autism (33/69).
- Common findings included white matter signal abnormalities (19/69), dilated Virchow-Robin spaces (12/69), and temporal lobe abnormalities (20/69).
Conclusions:
- This study found a significantly higher rate of MRI abnormalities in children with non-syndromic autism than previously reported.
- These findings suggest MRI may be a valuable tool in autism research.
- The results warrant further investigation into the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder.
