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Selectively reduced posterior corpus callosum size in a population-based sample of young adults born with low birth
S M Aukland1, R Westerhausen, K J Plessen
1Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. stein.magnus.aukland@helse-bergen.no
Insights
Individuals born with low birth weight (LBW) had smaller corpus callosum (CC) regions at age 19. Specifically, the posterior CC was smaller, even after accounting for brain size, suggesting long-term neurodevelopmental effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Previous research indicates a link between very low birth weight (VLBW) and reduced corpus callosum (CC) size.
- The corpus callosum facilitates interhemispheric communication in the brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the association between low birth weight (LBW) and corpus callosum (CC) size in young adults.
- To determine if LBW is associated with smaller CC subregions, even after controlling for overall brain volume.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 113 survivors of LBW (birth weight <2000 grams) and 100 controls were studied at age 19.
- 3T MRI was used to measure the total cross-sectional area of the CC and its subregions (genu, truncus, posterior third).
- Callosal areas were statistically adjusted for head size and forebrain volume (FBV).
Main Results:
- Individuals born with LBW exhibited a smaller overall CC size compared to controls (553.4 mm² vs. 584.1 mm²).
- The posterior third subregion of the CC was significantly smaller in the LBW group, even after adjusting for forebrain volume.
- Total CC area differences were not statistically significant after adjusting for forebrain volume.
Conclusions:
- While uncorrected CC size was smaller in LBW individuals, adjustments for forebrain volume revealed group differences primarily in the posterior CC.
- The findings suggest that LBW may impact specific white matter tracts, particularly those in the posterior CC.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of a smaller posterior CC in individuals with a history of LBW.
Background And Purpose:
Several studies suggest that VLBW is associated with a reduced CC size later in life. We aimed to clarify this in a prospective, controlled study of 19-year-olds, hypothesizing that those with LBWs had smaller subregions of CC than the age-matched controls, even after correcting for brain volume.
Materials And Methods:
One hundred thirteen survivors of LBW (BW <2000 grams) without major handicaps and 100 controls underwent a 3T MR examination of the brain. The cross-sectional area of the CC (total callosal area, and the callosal subregions of the genu, truncus, and posterior third) was measured. Callosal areas were adjusted for head size.
Results:
The posterior third subregion of the CC was significantly smaller in individuals born with a LBW compared with controls, even after adjusting for size of the forebrain. Individuals who were born with a LBW had a smaller CC (mean area, 553.4 mm(2)) than the controls (mean area, 584.1 mm(2)). Differences in total area, however, did not remain statistically significant after adjusting for FBV.
Conclusions:
The uncorrected callosal size in 19-years-olds born with LBW was smaller than that of normal controls. However, after adjusting for FBV, the group difference was restricted to the posterior third. The clinical impact of a smaller posterior part needs further investigation.
