Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Perivascular Space Burden in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Correlates With Neurodevelopmental Severity
Giulia Frigerio1, Gloria Rizzato1, Denis Peruzzo2
1Diagnostic Imaging and Neuroradiology Unit, IRCCS Scientific Institute E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy.
Insights
Perivascular spaces (PVS) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are linked to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume and clinical severity. PVS counts were higher in frontal regions and lower in temporal areas.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Cerebral perivascular spaces (PVS) facilitate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation and waste clearance in adults.
- Increased PVS have been observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but their association with CSF dynamics and disease severity remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess PVS in children diagnosed with ASD using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 66 children with ASD (mean age 4.7 years) using 3T MRI with 3D T1-weighted GRE and 3D T2-weighted turbo spin echo sequences.
- PVS were segmented using a weakly supervised algorithm, analyzing total count (WM-PVStot) and normalized volume (WM-PVSvoln) across white matter regions.
- Statistical analyses included Kendall correlation and Friedman tests, with generalized linear models assessing relationships between PVS, developmental quotient (DQ), clinical severity, and extra-axial CSF (eaCSF) volume.
Main Results:
- Higher WM-PVStot counts were significantly associated with severe DQ, milder ASD forms, and larger eaCSF volumes.
- WM-PVSvoln was primarily influenced by normalized eaCSF volume (eaCSFvoln).
- The percentage of segmented white matter PVS (WM-PVSsr) was highest in frontal regions (32%) and lowest in temporal regions (11%).
Conclusions:
- PVS count and volume in children with ASD correlate with eaCSF volume, clinical severity, and DQ.
- PVS distribution varies regionally, with greater prevalence in frontal white matter and lower prevalence in temporal regions.
Background:
Cerebral perivascular spaces (PVS) are involved in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation and clearance of metabolic waste in adult humans. A high number of PVS has been reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but its relationship with CSF and disease severity is unclear.
Purpose:
To quantify PVS in children with ASD through MRI.
Study Type:
Retrospective.
Population:
Sixty six children with ASD (mean age: 4.7 ± 1.5 years; males/females: 59/7).
Field Strength/Sequence:
3T, 3D T1-weighted GRE and 3D T2-weighted turbo spin echo sequences.
Assessment:
PVS were segmented using a weakly supervised PVS algorithm. PVS count, white matter-perivascular spaces (WM-PVStot) and normalized volume (WM-PVSvoln) were analyzed in the entire white matter. Six regions: frontal, parietal, limbic, occipital, temporal, and deep WM (WM-PVSsr). WM, GM, CSF, and extra-axial CSF (eaCSF) volumes were also calculated. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Wechsler Intelligence Scale, and Griffiths Mental Developmental scales were used to assess clinical severity and developmental quotient (DQ).
Statistical Tests:
Kendall correlation analysis (continuous variables) and Friedman (categorical variables) tests were used to compare medians of PVS variables across different WM regions. Post hoc pairwise comparisons with Wilcoxon tests were used to evaluate distributions of PVS in WM regions. Generalized linear models were employed to assess DQ, clinical severity, age, and eaCSF volume in relation to PVS variables. A p-value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.
Results:
Severe DQ (β = 0.0089), mild form of autism (β = -0.0174), and larger eaCSF (β = 0.0082) volume was significantly associated with greater WM-PVStot count. WM-PVSvoln was predominantly affected by normalized eaCSF volume (eaCSFvoln) (β = 0.0242; adjusted for WM volumes). The percentage of WM-PVSsr was higher in the frontal areas (32%) and was lowest in the temporal regions (11%).
Data Conclusion:
PVS count and volume in ASD are associated with eaCSFvoln. PVS count is related to clinical severity and DQ. PVS count was higher in frontal regions and lower in temporal regions.
Evidence Level:
4.
Technical Efficacy:
Stage 3.
More Related Videos
05:32Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
Published on: December 7, 2018
06:15Using the Visual World Paradigm to Study Sentence Comprehension in Mandarin-Speaking Children with Autism
Published on: October 3, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
01:28Disorders of the Nervous Tissue
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
01:18Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...