Diffusion tensor imaging in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neuroscience
• Radiology

Background:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder.
• Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of ADHD is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
• White matter integrity, assessed via Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), is increasingly recognized as a potential biomarker.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and quantitatively meta-analyze existing DTI studies comparing white matter integrity in ADHD patients and healthy controls.
• To identify consistent patterns of white matter alterations associated with ADHD.
• To provide insights into the neurobiological basis of ADHD.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted on online databases for DTI studies.
• Studies comparing white matter integrity between ADHD patients and healthy controls were included.
• Quantitative meta-analysis was performed using GingerALE software.

Main Results:

• Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis.
• Significant alterations in white matter integrity were observed in widespread brain regions in individuals with ADHD.
• The most consistent alterations were found in the right anterior corona radiata, right forceps minor, bilateral internal capsule, and left cerebellum.

Conclusions:

• DTI reveals significant and widespread white matter microstructural differences in ADHD patients compared to controls.
• These findings implicate specific white matter tracts in the pathophysiology of ADHD.
• While methodological limitations exist, DTI is a promising technique for advancing ADHD research and understanding its neurobiological basis.