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Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2011
Neuroimaging findings in children with cerebral palsy with autism and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder:
Magnus PÅhlman1,2, Christopher Gillberg1, Kate Himmelmann2,3
1Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Insights
Autism and ADHD are common in children with cerebral palsy (CP), regardless of brain imaging findings. However, the timing and location of brain injury influence the likelihood of these conditions, suggesting neuroimaging may offer prognostic value.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is frequently associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Understanding the relationship between CP neuroimaging patterns and these co-occurring conditions is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare neuroimaging patterns using the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Classification System (MRICS) in children with CP, stratified by the presence or absence of autism and/or ADHD.
- To investigate the association between specific neuroimaging findings and the prevalence of autism and ADHD in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort of 184 children with CP (born 1999-2006) from western Sweden was assessed.
- Participants underwent comprehensive screening for neuropsychiatric disorders and neuroimaging analysis.
Main Results:
- Autism (30%) and ADHD (31%) were prevalent across all neuroimaging patterns in children with CP.
- Children with predominant white matter injury showed the highest autism prevalence (40%), while those with middle cerebral artery infarction had the highest ADHD prevalence (62%).
- Autism and ADHD were not more common in children with bilateral than unilateral lesions.
Conclusions:
- While autism and ADHD are common in CP irrespective of neuroimaging patterns, the timing and location of the initial brain insult are significant factors.
- Neuroimaging findings may hold prognostic value for predicting the occurrence of autism and ADHD in children with CP.
- Further research into neuroimaging may elucidate the complex associations between CP and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Aim:
To compare neuroimaging patterns according to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Classification System (MRICS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) with and without autism and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Method:
This population-based study assessed 184 children (97 males, 87 females) with CP born from 1999 to 2006 from the CP register of western Sweden, who had completed comprehensive screening and clinical assessment for neuropsychiatric disorders and undergone neuroimaging.
Results:
Autism (total prevalence 30%) and ADHD (31%) were common in all neuroimaging patterns, including normal. Autism and ADHD were not more prevalent in children with bilateral than unilateral lesions, contrary to other associated impairments. Children with predominant white matter injury, related to insults in the late second or early third trimester, had the highest prevalence of autism (40%). Children who had sustained a middle cerebral artery infarction had the highest prevalence of ADHD (62%).
Interpretation:
Although autism and ADHD are common regardless of neuroimaging patterns, timing and localization of insult appear to be of importance for the occurrence of autism and ADHD in children with CP. Neuroimaging may be of prognostic value for these associated impairments. Further in-depth neuroimaging studies may lead to a better understanding of the association between CP and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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