Brain morphometry in autistic men as measured by volumetric computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Autism Research

Background:

• Infantile autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder.
• Previous research has yielded inconsistent findings regarding structural brain abnormalities in autism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gross structural brain differences in adult males diagnosed with infantile autism.
• To compare brain anatomy between individuals with autism and healthy controls using computed tomography.

Main Methods:

• Computed transverse axial tomography was used to examine the brains of 12 men with autism and 16 healthy controls.
• Analysis focused on volumes of cerebrospinal fluid, white matter, gray matter, ventricles, and subcortical nuclei.
• Relative symmetry of these structures was also assessed.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed between the autism and control groups in the volumes of any measured brain structures.
• The relative symmetry of these brain regions was also comparable between groups.
• No major gross anatomical correlates of autism were identified.

Conclusions:

• The cerebral defect in autism may be functional or microscopic.
• Autism does not appear to be associated with significant gross anatomical alterations in the brain.
• Further research is needed to explore potential microscopic or functional underpinnings of autism.